Norwegian Air Ambulance Expands Fleet with New Airbus H145 Helicopters

On June 18, 2025, the Norwegian Air Ambulance (NAA) announced the signing of a frame contract with Airbus for the acquisition of up to eight new H145 helicopters, including an initial firm order for two units. This strategic decision underscores the NAA's commitment to modernizing its fleet to enhance emergency medical services (EMS) across Norway.

The H145 helicopter is renowned for its capabilities in Helicopter Emergency Medical Services (HEMS), particularly due to its low acoustic footprint, minimal carbon dioxide emissions, and operational efficiency. "We are honored to open yet another chapter with the Norwegian Air Ambulance, providing up to eight H145 helicopters under this new frame contract," stated Thomas Hein, Head of Europe Region at Airbus Helicopters. "The H145's global reputation in HEMS ensures it's the ideal choice for continued life-saving missions with the Norwegian Air Ambulance," he added.

Leif Olstad, CEO of the Norwegian Air Ambulance, emphasized the helicopter's suitability for Norwegian service, remarking, "With its size and capabilities, the H145 has proven well-suited for the Norwegian service, making it a natural choice." The NAA currently operates 20 Airbus H135 and H145 helicopters across all HEMS bases in Norway, reflecting a long-standing partnership with Airbus in providing critical medical transport services.

Historically, the NAA has been at the forefront of helicopter-based emergency medical services in Norway, having been the first operator globally to receive the five-bladed variant of the H145 in 2020. This latest iteration of the H145 significantly enhances operational capacity, increasing the helicopter's useful load by 150 kilograms due to its innovative rotor design. Furthermore, the new bearingless main rotor simplifies maintenance, improving both serviceability and reliability, while enhancing ride comfort for patients and crew alike.

The H145 is powered by two Safran Arriel 2E engines and is equipped with full authority digital engine control (FADEC) and the Helionix digital avionics suite, which includes a high-performance four-axis autopilot. These features not only increase safety but also reduce pilot workload, making the H145 a leading choice in its class.

According to data from Airbus Helicopters, over 1,750 units of the H145 family are currently in service worldwide, collectively logging more than eight million flight hours. This helicopter model has established itself as the leading provider of helicopters to the air medical transport industry, accounting for 54% of the 2,900 EMS helicopters operating globally.

The implications of this fleet expansion extend beyond operational efficiency; they reflect broader trends in the EMS sector towards increasing reliance on advanced aviation technology to improve patient outcomes. As the NAA continues to modernize its fleet, it positions itself to better respond to the evolving demands of emergency medical services in Norway, ensuring timely and effective patient care.

Looking ahead, the NAA's partnership with Airbus is poised to foster further innovations in helicopter design and functionality, potentially influencing EMS practices on a global scale. As the aviation industry continues to embrace advancements in sustainability and operational efficiency, the NAA's investment in the H145 fleet marks a significant step towards enhancing the future of emergency medical response in Norway.