ÖAMTC Air Rescue Signs Strategic Framework Agreement with Airbus Helicopters

Long-term fleet planning is crucial given delivery times that span several years.

With 18 year-round bases, four seasonal winter locations, and one intensive care transport helicopter, ÖAMTC Air Rescue ensures comprehensive aerial emergency medical care throughout Austria. To continue guaranteeing the high quality of service expected by the public, a strategic framework agreement was signed with Airbus Helicopters on March 11, 2026. The agreement secures ÖAMTC Air Rescue’s access, in the short and medium term, to five H135 Helionix helicopters and ten H140s, the latest development in the helicopter market. These are set to gradually replace older aircraft in the coming years, thereby ensuring that the Christophorus fleet remains fit for the future in the long term.

Marco Trefanitz, Managing Director of ÖAMTC Air Rescue

“When procuring emergency medical helicopters, delivery times of several years are to be expected. Anyone who wants to save lives tomorrow using state-of-the-art technology must therefore secure production capacity today. The new framework agreement with our long-standing partner ensures that the Austrian public can continue to rely on an efficient air rescue fleet that is ready for action at all times. The support of our partners in the federal states is also crucial in this regard.”

H135 and H140 – two models for maximum operational flexibility

With the H135 and H140 models, ÖAMTC Air Rescue is further strengthening its proven Helionix fleet. Together with ADAC Air Rescue, ÖAMTC Air Rescue is thus among the first organizations in Europe to operate the H140. “With this model, we’ll be expanding our fleet starting in 2028 with a high-performance helicopter featuring a larger cabin and optimized medical equipment,” explains Trefanitz. “Both models complement each other perfectly and give us maximum flexibility in our daily operations.”

The H140 was designed and developed by Airbus Helicopters in close collaboration with ÖAMTC Air Rescue and ADAC Air Rescue specifically to meet the requirements of modern emergency rescue operations. Among other features, it offers a more spacious cabin, large sliding doors and rear hatches for easier access, as well as state-of-the-art rotor and propulsion technology. “Our decades of expertise have also been directly incorporated into the development. The result is a state-of-the-art helicopter that is consistently tailored to the needs of aviation and medical operations and will continue to enable efficient, cost-effective operation in the future,” said Trefanitz.

Strategic Planning Ensures Tomorrow's Supply

ÖAMTC Air Rescue currently operates 29 H135 helicopters, including nine of the latest-generation H135 Helionix models. In 2025, the crews completed approximately 22,000 missions. Given this high volume of activity, forward-looking fleet planning is essential. “Our patients must be able to count on us to be ready to take off at any time,” emphasizes Trefanitz. “Long-term framework agreements give us the necessary planning certainty and ensure that our fleet remains technologically up to date. This allows us to reliably guarantee emergency air medical services in the future as well and fulfill our mission for the people of Austria.”