US medical provider Air Methods is expanding its fleet with the addition of new Airbus Helicopters. The agreement includes the acquisition of H140 helicopters, as well as 10 H125s and 11 H135s, to support air medical missions across the country.

“We are excited to initiate our fleet expansion efforts with Airbus Helicopters,” says Air Methods CEO Rob Hamilton. “This global fleet agreement not only enhances our ability to support our customers with cutting-edge aircraft but also strategically positions Air Methods for sustained growth and innovation in the decade ahead.”

As the largest civil operator of Airbus Helicopters worldwide, Air Methods operates a vast fleet of Airbus models, including the H125, H130, H135 and H145.

“This announcement marks a major milestone in the longstanding relationship between Airbus and Air Methods, providing our team with new opportunities to support the life-saving missions Air Methods performs each day,” comments Bart Reijnen, president of Airbus Helicopters in the US and head of the North America region. “This agreement for new aircraft is a testament to the excellent performance, safety and reliability that Airbus Helicopters provide.”

The H140 features a wide range of innovations, including a new T-shaped tail boom with an optimised Fenestron that reduces sound levels, a five-blade bearingless main rotor and new powerful Safran engines. The helicopter also features a larger cabin space, large windows and optimised cabin layout that can accommodate up to six passengers comfortably. Designed with accessibility in mind, thanks to the large clamshell doors and the high tail boom, the H140's rear loading capabilities allow the use of different types of stretcher systems including intensive care ones and transport incubators while its large sliding doors facilitate access to the cabin.

Air Methods has also signed a master purchasing agreement for up to 27 aircraft with Bell Textron, including 15 IFR-configured Bell 407GXis with an option to purchase an additional 12 aircraft in the future. This agreement comes on the heels of Air Methods' recent signed purchase agreement for a Bell 429.

“Bell is incredibly honoured that Air Methods has chosen Bell aircraft to advance its emergency care operations, building on a 45-year relationship with the operator,” says Lane Evans, North America manager, Bell. “Both the Bell 407GXi and the Bell 429 are powerful, reliable aircraft that offer exceptional mission capabilities to HEMS customers worldwide.”

With 300 bases serving 48 states, Air Methods transports more than 100,000 patients every year, clocking over 150,000 flight hours. With the addition of its newly acquired Bell 407GXis and Bell 429, it anticipates a decrease in response times, allowing it to better support the communities it serves.

“Air Methods and Bell have worked together for the entirety of Air Methods' 45 years in operation. The Bell 407 and Bell 429 are core aircraft in our fleet of over 390 aircraft. The Bell 407 demonstrates exceptional performance and reliability and is the largest single engine fleet operated by Air Methods. The Bell 429 gives our clinical team the cabin capacity necessary to provide industry leading specialty care to our patients while also being very reliable,” says Leo Morrissette, EVP of operations, Air Methods.