Bulgarian HEMS helicopter undergoing testing
The first of a batch of six Leonardo air ambulance helicopters ordered by the Bulgarian government is currently undergoing testing prior to delivery
Deputy Minister of Health Ilko Getov, in a statement to the Sofia Globe, said: “The commission has started the technical acceptance of the flying machine, and the organization of the flight to Bulgaria will take place by mid-January 2024, after which the helicopter will be licensed in our country.”
The Ministry of Health confirmed plans to acquire six Leonardo helicopters for 135.6 million levs (US$74.5 million) earlier this year. The aircraft will be used to establish a state-run helicopter emergency medical service (HEMS) in Bulgaria.
The country is currently the only European Union (EU) member state without an established air ambulance service.
Oliver Cuenca
Oliver Cuenca is a Junior Editor at AirMed&Rescue. He was previously a News and Features Journalist for the rail magazine IRJ until 2021, and studied MA Magazine Journalism at Cardiff University. His favourite helicopter is the AW169 – the workhorse of the UK air ambulance sector! He also led the creation of Waypoint: The AirMed&Rescue podcast, serving as its Production Editor and co-host.