VAI
CONVENTION NEWS MARCH 12, 2025
AINONLINE.COM
MARIANO ROSALES
DAY 2
The Airbus H140—introduced yesterday amid fanfare at Verticon—has more space and performance, along with two Safran Arrius 2ES engines.
AIRBUS H140 HITS SWEET SPOT By Charlotte Bailey Airbus Helicopters has launched the H140 helicopter to bridge what it sees as a gap in its H135 and H145 light-twin family. Unveiling the new addition to its rotorcraft lineup yesterday at Verticon, the European manufacturer said the H140 will deliver more efficient mission flexibility when it enters service in 2028. Aeromedical operators Global Medical Response (GMR), ADAC Luftrettung, and ÖAMTC Flugrettung are the launch customers for the new helicopter. During separate signing ceremonies on the show’s opening day, GMR secured an agreement for 15 H140s, while ADAC and ÖAMTC inked
a joint agreement with Airbus for 10 H140s, three H135s, and one H145. Air Methods and STAT MedEvac also placed orders, the former for an unspecified number of H140s, 10 H125s, and 11 H135s, and the latter for three H140s. At press time, Air Methods booked firm orders for 12 and 24 options. The H140 will be certified under EASA CS-27/FAA FAR 27 requirements, being at the top end of the “small rotorcraft” designation with a mtow of 6,985 pounds, which is 429 pounds more than the H125. Airbus said this will translate into elevated useful load. Specifications include a maximum speed of 155 knots. A key factor behind the improved performance is the new Safran Arrius 2ES engine that will deliver continues on page 22
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