Airbus Helicopters to support Sécurité Civile and Gendarmerie Nationale helicopter fleet

A 12-year contract starting this year between Airbus Helicopters and Babcock was signed with the Direction de la Maintenance Aéronautique (DMAé), the organization in charge of maintenance for aircraft operated by the French government.

Romain Trapp, Airbus Helicopters’ Executive Vice President Customer Support and Services, said: “The Sécurité Civile and Gendarmerie Nationale play a key role in safeguarding our communities in France. We are proud to have signed this contract, which demonstrates their confidence in us and strengthens our partnership.

“We measure our responsibility in guaranteeing that their EC145s are available 24/7 for their critical missions.”

The contract covers the 33 EC145s operated by the Sécurité Civile and the 15 EC145s operated by the Gendarmerie air forces, which are spread across 41 bases in France, including five bases in French overseas territories. It includes technical support, supply of spare parts, logistics solutions, technical data management and software support. 

The EC145s are used for search and rescue, emergency medical services and firefighting missions, as well as engaging in law enforcement operations. 

The Sécurité Civile currently operates four new H145s ordered in 2021, which are also supported by Airbus Helicopters and Babcock. In late 2023, a contract was signed for 42 H145s for the French Ministry of the Interior (36 for the Sécurité Civile and six for the Gendarmerie). Aircraft deliveries are due to start in 2024.