Memorial Hermann Life Flight to use Airbus H160 first in the world for Emergency Medical Services

(IN BRIEF) Memorial Hermann Life Flight® has ordered one H160 and four H145 helicopters from Airbus to replace its current EC145 fleet, becoming the first to use the H160 for helicopter emergency medical services (HEMS). Established in 1976, the program serves a 150-mile radius around Houston and has completed over 166,000 missions. The new fleet, supported by Airbus, features advanced technology, larger cabins, and increased fuel capacity, enhancing Life Flight’s capabilities as a mobile intensive care unit. The H160 and H145 are known for their safety, low noise, and low emissions, ensuring a better experience for patients and healthcare professionals.

(PRESS RELEASE) BLAGNAC, 16-Jul-2024 — /EuropaWire/ — Memorial Hermann Life Flight® has announced the procurement of one H160 and four H145 helicopters to replace its existing EC145 fleet. This move positions the program as the first globally to utilize the H160 for helicopter emergency medical services (HEMS).

Established in 1976 by trauma surgeon Dr. James “Red” Duke, Memorial Hermann Life Flight® is a critical service of Memorial Hermann Health System, operating within a 150-mile radius of the Texas Medical Center in Houston. Since its inception, the program has completed over 166,000 life-saving missions using Airbus helicopters exclusively.

Toni Von Wenkstern, Vice President of Trauma at Memorial Hermann Health Systems, emphasized the importance of this investment: “Memorial Hermann invested in this new fleet of helicopters to expand our reach and allow us to help even more people who are in critical need of air ambulance transport.”

Bart Reijnen, President of Airbus Helicopters, Inc. and Head of the North America region, highlighted the long-standing partnership with Memorial Hermann Life Flight®: “The Memorial Hermann Life Flight® team has long been a leader in the HEMS market, setting industry benchmarks and incorporating the latest technology to benefit the communities they serve. Our team is proud of the long-standing partnership we have with the program and is dedicated to supporting them as their new helicopters enter into service and throughout the fleet’s lifecycle.”

Tom Flanagan, Consultant and Program Director, noted the advantages of the new fleet: “The enhanced technology and safety features, larger cabin and cargo space, increased fuel load, and shorter reconfiguration times will provide us with the capabilities of a mobile intensive care unit.”

The H160 helicopter, already in service in various countries including the U.S., Canada, Brazil, Japan, Saudi Arabia, and several European nations, is used for energy, private business aviation, HEMS, search and rescue, law enforcement, and military missions. It boasts the largest cabin in its class, low vibration levels, a flat attitude in flight, and Blue Edge rotor blades, making it the quietest helicopter in its class and enhancing comfort for patients and healthcare professionals.

The H145 family of helicopters has over 1,675 units in service, accumulating more than 7.6 million flight hours. Powered by two Safran Arriel 2E engines, the H145 features a full authority digital engine control (FADEC) and the Helionix digital avionics suite, including a high-performance 4-axis autopilot that enhances safety and reduces pilot workload. Its low acoustic footprint and CO2 emissions are among the best in its class.

With these new additions, Memorial Hermann Life Flight® continues to lead in providing advanced emergency medical services, ensuring enhanced care and coverage for the communities it serves.

Media Contacts:

Kelsey Young
Airbus Helicopters in North America
Phone: +1 945-201-8363
kelsey.young@airbus.com

Courtney Woo
Head of Communications – Airbus Helicopters in North America
Phone: +1 682-381-4293
courtney.woo@airbus.com

Emmanuel Huberdeau
Airbus Helicopters
Phone: +33 (0)6 17 27 93 31
emmanuel.huberdeau@airbus.com

SOURCE: Airbus