In mid-December, the 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 a satisfied Reinhard Kraxner, Managing Director of the ÖAMTC Air Rescue.
"The significantly more powerful helicopter, which is approved for instrument flight, brings us a decisive step closer to the vision of being able to help anywhere, at any time and in any weather." For over 20 years now, the ÖAMTC air rescue service has been flying exclusively with EC 135s. By mid-2024, the five to six new helicopters will gradually replace older models. "These helicopters are optimally tailored to our needs and prove themselves day after day and night after night in operations throughout Austria," says Kraxner. "It is therefore the logical consequence to gradually renew the fleet with the more powerful successor model, the H135." This single-fleet strategy reduces maintenance costs enormously and at the same time increases the availability of the fleet. "The ÖAMTC air rescue service is investing up to 30 million euros - including medical equipment - in the new machines," adds Commercial Director Marco Trefanitz. "But we know that this is an important step in the interests of our patients."
With the digital avionics suite Helionix and a 4-axis autopilot, the new helicopters will have the latest electronics on board. The innovative system summarizes all data relevant to flight management on a few electronic displays, thereby increasing the overview for the crew and thus safety. It is also of course compatible with the night vision goggles that are now used as standard. "Especially in challenging environments 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 is a matter of course for us not only to invest in new helicopters, but also to bring existing ones up to the latest state of the art," says Kraxner. The modernization work is extensive. Among other things, the main rotor blades, the main gearbox, the horizontal tail unit and some cockpit instruments are being replaced. "Four technicians work on a helicopter for around eight weeks," reports Trefanitz. "In total, the ÖAMTC air rescue service is investing around 650.000 euros in the modernization of each individual helicopter."
In addition to 17 year-round bases in Austria, the ÖAMTC air rescue service also operates an intensive care transport helicopter and four seasonal winter bases. "We see it as part of our job to think about the future," Kraxner concluded. "Our investments ensure that the ÖAMTC air rescue service will continue to be a guarantee of reliable, rapid and professional help in the years to come."
and 