Native Air acquires new Airbus H125 for Alamogordo, New Mexico
The new helicopter represents a significant upgrade for the service’s operations in Otero County
Native Air, a subsidiary of US-based air ambulance provider Air Methods, has acquired a new helicopter for its base in Alamogordo, New Mexico.
The helicopter, a new Airbus H125 B3e, will be stationed at the Native Air 35 base, and will serve the area around Otero County, including the White Sands National Park.
The aircraft is expected to offer improved response times, performance, and capabilities. It can carry approximately 550lb (249.5kg) more at 10,000ft than Native Air 35’s previous aircraft, allowing them to carry heavier patients, and more medical equipment or fuel.
The rotorcraft can also travel around 20kts faster than the aircraft it replaces, and has more modern avionics, allowing for greater safety and control.
“This aircraft has a more powerful engine and a different transmission from our previous helicopter,” said Zach McGinnis, Area Manager at Air Methods. “It performs better in hot weather and high altitudes, making it an exceptional asset for the White Sands area.”
Air Methods also opened a base (Native Air 24) at New Mexico’s Artesia General Hospital earlier this year.
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.