Global Medical Response (GMR) closed a commercial agreement with Airbus Helicopters for the acquisition of 28 HEMS helicopters. The order includes six H125s, five H130s, fourteen H135s and three H145s, following a first order for five helicopters placed in early 2024. With this purchase, GMR consolidates its position as one of the main operators of Airbus helicopters, adding a total of 200 of the company’s aircraft to its fleet. In addition, a second order of 23 helicopters is anticipated, which will include the arrival of the Airbus H125 with IFR capabilities in the US market.
Daniel Sweeza, GMR’s national president of air operations, stated on behalf of the company: “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.”
GMR has a team of 36,000 employees, consolidating its position as a reference company in the United States and the region. It operates from 387 bases and works together with companies such as Air Evac, Lifeteam, Reach Air Medical Services, Med-Trans Corporation, AirMed International and Guardian Flight.
“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,” said 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 their operations.”
Airbus helicopters have many advantages in relation to HEMS:
- Versatile cabin configuration
- Racks for medical equipment (Trauma case, medication case, airway case)
- Ample working space for the medical crews
- Racks for respirator, aspirator, cardio-defibrillator, multi-parameter monitor, ultrasound machine.
- Supports for infusion pumps / syringe pusher.
- Electric inverter 110/220
- Oxygen and compressed air connections.
- Rear opening for patient admission
- Maximum availability of 2 stretchers
Finally, from a sustainability perspective, the H135 and H145 models feature the lowest CO₂ emissions on the market. In addition, both are equipped with the advanced Helionix avionics system, which offers significant operational support by reducing pilot workload, improving operational safety and optimizing crew coordination (CRM) on board.
