Global Medical Response and Airbus sign agreement for up to 15 H140 helicopters

Dallas, US, March 11. Global Medical Response (GMR) and Airbus Helicopters have signed an agreement for up to 15 H140 helicopters in the emergency medical services (EMS) sector. GMR is one of the launch customers for the new H140 helicopter that was unveiled at the vertical lift industry show VERTICON in Dallas, Texas.

GMR, a leader in the air medical industry, has ordered 10 H140s, with options for five additional helicopters. Headquartered in Lewisville, Texas, GMR is one of the largest operators of Airbus helicopters in North America.

“We are proud to offer this new helicopter design to our patients, caregivers and customers,” said Ted Van Horne, Chief Operating Officer of GMR. “Serving as the EMS launch partner for the Airbus H140 is just one more example of how GMR is investing in the future of care and continually innovating for the good of the communities we serve. In the hands of our experienced crews, the H140 will provide a better patient environment where they will continue to deliver critical acute care to patients who need it.”

“This announcement builds on decades of collaboration between our two companies, and we are excited to be introducing the H140 in the US in partnership with such a renowned air medical operator,” said Bruno Even, CEO of Airbus Helicopters. “We are confident the H140 will be an invaluable tool for the GMR team as they provide the highest levels of care for patients each day.”

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 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 optimized 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.

This announcement follows GMR’s order of 28 Airbus helicopters previously announced in November 2024. In total, the company will operate a fleet of nearly 200 Airbus helicopters.

GMR is a leader in the air medical industry, with nearly 35,000 employees delivering compassionate, quality medical care across the US and around the world. It operates 380 air base locations under brands including Air Evac Lifeteam, REACH Air Medical Services, Med-Trans Corporation, AirMed International and Guardian Flight. More than 30 Airbus helicopters have been added to GMR’s fleet since 2021.