Picture credits: Airbus
Dallas: Airbus Helicopters has introduced its latest rotorcraft, the H140, at the VERTICON 2025 industry show in Dallas. Designed as a light twin-engine helicopter, the H140 aims to enhance performance, efficiency, and comfort in its category, catering to emergency medical services (EMS), corporate transport, and private aviation.
A New Standard in Light Twin Helicopters
The H140 builds on the legacy of Airbus’s H135 model, featuring a larger cabin, enhanced aerodynamics, and advanced avionics. The helicopter is equipped with a five-blade bearingless main rotor, reducing maintenance costs while improving performance. It also introduces a T-tail boom with an optimized Fenestron, reducing noise levels and increasing stability.
Airbus has powered the H140 with two Safran Arrius 2E engines, delivering 700 shaft horsepower each and controlled by a dual-channel Full Authority Digital Engine Control (FADEC) system for improved efficiency and safety.
The cockpit features the Helionix avionics suite, already used in Airbus’s H135, H145, H160, and H175 models. This technology enhances situational awareness and reduces pilot workload, making the H140 suitable for demanding missions such as EMS, corporate transport, and private aviation.
The helicopter’s spacious cabin has been designed with increased comfort and accessibility, particularly benefiting EMS operations. Larger clamshell doors and a high tail boom allow for easier rear loading of patients and equipment, a feature that emergency response teams have long sought in a light twin helicopter. The expanded window area improves visibility for pilots and passengers alike, enhancing safety and passenger experience.
Take a look at the latest addition below:
The curtain has dropped! Introducing the #H140 – the latest addition to the Airbus family of helicopters.
— Airbus Helicopters (@AirbusHeli) March 11, 2025
Here’s a look at how this multi-mission aircraft raises the bar in the light twin-engine category, for performance, cost-effectiveness, and passenger and crew comfort.… pic.twitter.com/WOT03qjt4K
Market Entry and Initial Orders
Airbus plans to introduce the H140 to the market in 2028, with a primary focus on the EMS sector. Several key industry players have already placed orders for the new helicopter:
- Metro Aviation, an air medical operator based in Shreveport, Louisiana, has signed a contract for 12 H140 helicopters, with options for 24 more.
- Global Medical Response (GMR), a leader in air medical services, has ordered 10 H140s, with options for 5 additional helicopters.
- ADAC Luftrettung and ÖAMTC Flugrettung, the German and Austrian helicopter emergency medical services (HEMS) operators, will each receive five aircraft, making them among the launch customers.
- STAT MedEvac has signed an agreement with Airbus for up to three H140 helicopters in the EMS sector.
Industry experts have noted that the H140’s improved fuel efficiency and lower operational costs could make it an attractive option for private and corporate operators as well. Airbus has indicated that additional configurations will be available, including luxury interior options for VIP transport.
Commitment to Innovation
Bruno Even, CEO of Airbus Helicopters, highlighted the company’s commitment to innovation, stating, “The H140 represents a new chapter in our light twin-engine helicopter range, offering operators enhanced performance, versatility, and cost efficiency.”
The H140 expands Airbus’s helicopter lineup, catering to medical, commercial, and private aviation. Designed as a next-generation replacement for older twin-engine models, it offers improved safety, efficiency, and lower environmental impact
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