Expands its Airbus Air Ambulance Fleet to Nearly 200

Global Medical Response (GMR) has finalized an order of 28 new Airbus helicopters with the option for 23 more over the next three years. This brings its grand total to nearly 200, making it one of the largest Airbus helicopter operators in North America.

The agreement calls for six H125s, five H130s, fourteen H135s, and three H145s as a further expansion to GMR’s air med fleet. The company purchased five Airbus helicopters earlier this year and has obtained 30 since 2021.

GMR is slated to be one of the first fleets in North America to utilize Airbus’s IFR-certified H125.

The helicopter, designed in partnership with Genesys Aerosystems, features an updated cockpit, a new autopilot system, and additional redundancy in hydraulic and electrical systems.

“At Global Medical Response, we understand the critical impact air ambulances have in delivering rapid, lifesaving support when it’s needed most,” expressed Daniel Sweeza, GMR National President of Air Operations. “Our investment in Airbus helicopters strengthens our ability to deliver life-saving healthcare where care is needed the most.”

GMR runs helicopter emergency medical services (HEMS) from 387 air bases under Air Evac Lifeteam, REACH Air Medical Services, Med-Trans Corporation, AirMed International, Guardian Flight, and other operators.

Airbus-made choppers are common choices for HEMS and have been used in the industry for over half a century. The most popular option is the H135 family, with over 1,500 having been delivered and in service across 66 countries. They have gathered over 7 million flight hours since their introduction in 1996.

Another fan-favorite chopper is the H145. This is longer, faster, carries more passengers, and can fly for longer than the H135.

“We are proud to continue supporting GMR as their teams work to deliver critical care to communities across the country, and pleased they have once again trusted Airbus helicopters to play a key role in their missions,” stated Bart Reijnen, President of Airbus Helicopters and Head of the North America region.

FMI: www.airbus.com