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 last week at
VERTICON, the vertical lift industry show held 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.
Ted Van Horne, GMR’s chief operating officer, said: “We are proud to offer this new helicopter design to our patients, caregivers and customers. 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.
Bruno Even, CEO of Airbus Helicopters, said: “This announcement builds on decades of collaboration between our two companies, and we are excited to be introducing the H140 in the USA in partnership with such a renowned air medical operator. We are confident the H140 will be an invaluable tool for the GMR team as it provides the highest levels of care for patients each day.”
Raising the barAirbus says the H140 raises the bar, in the light twin-engined category, for performance, cost-effectiveness, and passenger and crew comfort. It is a three-tonne class rotorcraft that complements the aircraft manufacturer's 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 U.S. 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.