ADAC Luftrettung and Airbus sign framework contract for H135, H140 and H145 helicopters
Copyright Airbus Helicopters
Atlanta, U.S., 11 March 2026 – ADAC Luftrettung, one of Europe’s biggest Helicopter Emergency Medical Services (HEMS) operators, and Airbus Helicopters have announced the signature of a strategic long-term framework contract for Airbus H135, H140 and H145 helicopters. This framework contract solidifies the initial agreement announced at last year’s Verticon, where ADAC Luftrettung was presented as a launch customer and development partner of the new H140 helicopter.
“By investing in these new aircraft, we are deliberately embracing state-of-the-art flight technology that will significantly enhance our airborne emergency medical care over the long term. A diversified fleet with different helicopter types enables us to respond optimally to the specific operational requirements of emergency medical services. And with these aircraft, we are fully capable of performing rescue missions at any time - around the clock and even in darkness,” said Frédéric Bruder, CEO of the nonprofit ADAC Luftrettung. “This framework agreement ensures that patient and flight safety - our absolute top priorities - will continue to remain at the highest possible level in the future. And we will achieve this in a needs-based manner, with lower fuel consumption and greater cost efficiency.”
“We are proud to continue our decades-long partnership with ADAC Luftrettung as they lead the way into the future of air rescue. By integrating the H135, H145, and our newest 3-tonne class H140 into their fleet, ADAC Luftrettung is ensuring maximum versatility and efficiency,” said Bruno Even, CEO of Airbus Helicopters. “This framework contract underscores our shared mission to provide crews with the quietest, safest, and most technologically advanced tools to deliver life-saving care and support for those in critical need every single day.”
ADAC Luftrettung, one of the biggest HEMS operators in Europe, uses 60 Airbus helicopters from their 37 stations. In 2025, the EMS operator responded to around 50,000 often life-saving missions.
The H140 is the latest addition to Airbus Helicopters' portfolio. It was unveiled in March last year. The H140 raises the bar, in the light twin-engined category, for performance, cost-effectiveness, and passenger and crew comfort. It is a 3-tonne class rotorcraft that complements Airbus Helicopters' current light twin offering for the emergency medical services, passenger transport, and private and business aviation markets. The entry into service of the helicopter is planned in 2028 for the emergency medical services segment.
The H135 is the market leader in HEMS worldwide, followed by the H145. Both helicopters are equipped with Airbus’ Helionix avionics suite, enhancing complementarity and enabling an almost seamless transition from one type to another, while its features increase safety and reduce pilot workload. Their particularly low acoustic footprint makes the H135 and the H145 the quietest helicopters in their class, while their CO2 emissions are the lowest amongst their direct competitors.
Airbus Helicopters is the leading provider of helicopters to the air medical transport industry, providing 54% of the 2,900 EMS helicopters flying in the world today.
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