Global Medical Response (GMR) has placed an order for 28 Airbus Helicopters, comprising six H125s, five H130s, 14 H135s and three H145s, plus 15 Bell 407GXis outfitted with IFR configuration kits, as it continues expanding its air medical fleet.

Following its order of five Airbus Helicopters earlier in 2024, the company will operate a fleet of nearly 200 Airbus Helicopters, reinforcing its position as one of the largest operators of Airbus Helicopters in North America, and it has options to purchase an additional 23 new Airbus Helicopters over the next three years. With this order, GMR is anticipated to be among the first in North America to operate the IFR-capable H125. The company has also retained options on nine additional Bell helicopters, bringing its total fleet to 250 Bells.

“At Global Medical Response, we recognise the vital role air ambulances play in providing timely, life-saving care across a diverse landscape,” says national president of air operations Daniel Sweeza. “Expanding our fleet allows us to further bridge the gap of access to healthcare. With this expansion, we are reinforcing our commitment to being there when every second counts, ensuring that patients have rapid access to advanced critical care, no matter where they are.”

With 387 operational bases across all 50 US states and internationally, Global Medical Response provides life-saving care as the largest end-to-end provider of acute out-of-hospital patient care. Its air entities support emergent and non-emergent air missions, including critical care transport and emergency disaster response, under brands including Air Evac Lifeteam, Reach Air Medical Services, Med-Trans Corporation, AirMed International and Guardian Flight.

“Bell is proud to continue our relationship with Global Medical Response, one of the largest air medical service operators in the world. We are thrilled with our customer’s decision to expand its fleet with the Bell 407GXi platform,” adds CCO Danny Maldonado. “When it comes to our air medical operators getting to their patients, we recognise that minutes matter. With the Bell 407GXi, operators benefit from its advanced capabilities and reliability that gets them quickly to where it matters most.”

“We are proud to continue supporting GMR as its teams work to deliver critical care to communities across the country and are pleased it has once again trusted Airbus Helicopters to play a key role in its missions,” says Bart Reijnen, head of the North America region for Airbus Helicopters. “These additions reinforce GMR’s commitment to providing high quality medical care, and we look forward to the positive impact the new helicopters will have on its operations.”

Airbus has supported North American operators in helicopter emergency medical services missions for more than 50 years. The single-engine H125 and H130 offer the best visibility in their class, as well as modular, open-space cabins ideally suited for HEMS missions. As the best performing single-engine helicopter, the H125 is particularly adapted to demanding hot and high environments. The H135 is the market leader in HEMS worldwide, followed by the H145.

Delivering impressive performance and fuel efficiency with the ability to cruise at 133kts (246km/h), the Bell 407GXi remains one of the top platforms for air medical agencies located throughout the world. With single-pilot IFR capability and adjustable cabin space, the Bell 407GXi allows operators to perform in demanding environments while carrying essential medical equipment needed during emergency missions.