Global Medical Response orders 28 Airbus helicopters in fleet expansion

Global Medical Response has placed an order for 28 Airbus helicopters, including six H125s, five H130s, 14 H135s and three H145s, as it continues expanding its air medical fleet. Following GMR’s 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. Expanding on the 28 aircraft ordered, GMR will have 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.

GMR National President of Air Operations, Daniel Sweeza commented: “At Global Medical Response, we understand the critical impact air ambulances have in delivering rapid, lifesaving support when it’s needed most. Our investment in Airbus helicopters strengthens our ability to deliver life-saving healthcare where care is needed the most. This expansion underscores our unwavering commitment to accessible, advanced care – ensuring that, regardless of where patients are, we can be there to make a difference when every second matters.”

Bart Reijnen, Head of the North America Region for Airbus Helicopters said: “We are proud to continue supporting GMR as their teams work to deliver critical care to communities across the country, and pleased they have once again trusted Airbus helicopters to play a key role in their missions.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 their operations.”

GMR is a leader in the air medical industry, with nearly 36,000 employees delivering compassionate, quality medical care across the U.S. and around the world. It operates 387 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.

As the leading provider of helicopters to the air medical transport industry, Airbus has supported North American operators in HEMS 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. Both helicopters are equipped with Airbus’ Helionix avionics suite, enhancing complementarity and enabling an almost seamless transition from one type to another, while their features enhance safety and reduce pilot workload. Their particularly low acoustic footprint make the H135 and the H145 the quietest helicopters in their class, while their CO2 emissions are the lowest amongst their direct competitors.