Boston MedFlight orders three Airbus H145 helicopters for fleet expansion

Boston MedFlight has ordered three Airbus H145 helicopters as part of a fleet modernization program aimed at strengthening its emergency medical transport operations across New England.

The nonprofit critical care transport provider said the twin-engine aircraft would be introduced over the coming years, replacing existing helicopters while allowing for some fleet expansion. The latest agreement brings the organization’s cumulative purchases of the H145 to 12 aircraft.

Boston MedFlight operates an all-Airbus helicopter fleet, providing interfacility transfers and emergency scene responses for critically ill and injured patients throughout the region. Its aviation operations are supported by a fleet of dedicated critical care ground vehicles.

Maura Hughes, CEO of Boston MedFlight, said the H145 remained well suited to the organization’s operational requirements, particularly its ability to accommodate medical personnel and equipment while operating across New England.

“These aircraft are essential to our mission, enabling our skilled pilots to safely transport patients while our medical crews focus on providing lifesaving critical care in transit,” Hughes added.

The latest five-bladed H145 incorporates a bearingless main rotor system designed to reduce maintenance requirements and increase useful load by approximately 150kg compared with the previous version.

The helicopter is powered by two Safran Arriel 2E engines and equipped with Airbus’ Helionix avionics suite, including a four-axis autopilot intended to reduce pilot workload during demanding missions.

Boston MedFlight has operated for more than four decades and reports transporting over 115,000 patients during that period.

Further reading: Life Flight Network has also announced plans to expand its air medical fleet, ordering five additional Airbus H135 helicopters to support critical care transport across the western USA.