In mid-December, ÖAMTC air rescue signed a contract to purchase five Airbus Helicopters H135 emergency medical helicopters, including an option for a sixth. “With this decision we are setting the course for the next ten years,” says Reinhard Kraxner, managing director of ÖAMTC air ambulance, with satisfaction.

"The significantly more powerful helicopter, which is certified for instrument flight, brings us a decisive step closer to the vision of being able to help at any place, at any time and in any weather." For over 20 years now, ÖAMTC air rescue has been flying exclusively with EC 135. The five to six new helicopters are to gradually replace older models by mid-2024. “These helicopters are optimally tailored to our needs and prove themselves day after day and night after night in operations all over Austria,” says Kraxner. "It is therefore the logical consequence to gradually renew the fleet with the more powerful successor model H135." This one-fleet strategy reduces the maintenance effort enormously and at the same time increases the availability of the fleet. “The ÖAMTC air rescue is investing up to 30 million euros - including medical equipment - for the new machines”, adds the commercial director Marco Trefanitz. "But we know that this is an important step in the interests of our patients."

With the digital Helionix avionics suite and a 4-axis autopilot, the new helicopters will have the latest electronics on board. The innovative system summarizes all data relevant for flight management on a few electronic displays and thus increases the overview for the crew and thus safety. In addition, it is of course compatible with the night vision goggles that are now standard. "Especially in demanding surroundings and in almost all weather conditions, it is great to be supported by the latest technological developments," says Kraxner.

Upgrade by the HeliAir technicians
The innovation offensive is rounded off by two further H135 upgrades from the T2 + version to the T3 version by the HeliAir technicians. “It goes without saying that we not only invest in new helicopters, but also bring existing ones up to date,” says Kraxner. The modernization work is extensive. Among other things, the main rotor blades, the main gearbox, the horizontal stabilizer and some cockpit instruments are replaced. “Four technicians work on a helicopter for around eight weeks,” reports Trefanitz. "In total, the ÖAMTC air ambulance is investing around 650.000 euros in the modernization of every single helicopter."

In addition to 17 year-round bases, the ÖAMTC air rescue service also operates an intensive care transport helicopter and four seasonal winter bases in Austria. “We see it as part of our task to think about the future,” Kraxner concluded. "Our investments ensure that the ÖAMTC air rescue service is a guarantee for reliable, quick and professional help in the years to come."