Global Medical Response (GMR) has placed an order for 28 Airbus helicopters, including six H125s, five H130s, 14 H135s and three H145s, as it continues expanding its air medical fleet. Following GMR’s order of five Airbus helicopters earlier in 2024, the company will operate a fleet of nearly 200 Airbus helicopters, reinforcing its position as one of the largest operators of Airbus helicopters in North America.
Expanding on the 28 aircraft ordered, GMR will have options to purchase an additional 23 new Airbus helicopters over the next three years. With this order, GMR is anticipated to be among the first in North America to operate the IFR-capable H125.
“At Global Medical Response, we understand the critical impact air ambulances have in delivering rapid, lifesaving support when it’s needed most,” said GMR National President of Air Operations, Daniel Sweeza. “Our investment in Airbus helicopters strengthens our ability to deliver life-saving healthcare where care is needed the most. This expansion underscores our unwavering commitment to accessible, advanced care – ensuring that, regardless of where patients are, we can be there to make a difference when every second matters.”
GMR is a leader in the air medical industry, with nearly 36,000 employees delivering compassionate, quality medical care across the U.S. and around the world. It operates 387 air base locations under brands including Air Evac Lifeteam, REACH Air Medical Services, Med-Trans Corporation, AirMed International and Guardian Flight. More than 30 Airbus helicopters have been added to GMR’s fleet since 2021.
“We are proud to continue supporting GMR as their teams work to deliver critical care to communities across the country, and pleased they have once again trusted Airbus helicopters to play a key role in their missions,” said Bart Reijnen, Head of the North America Region for Airbus Helicopters. “These additions reinforce GMR’s commitment to providing high quality medical care, and we look forward to the positive impact the new helicopters will have on their operations.”
Ethiopian Airlines takes delivery of Africa’s first Airbus A350-1000
Ethiopia’s national flag carrier and largest Airbus operator in Africa, Ethiopian Airlines, has taken delivery of its first of four A350-1000 from Airbus in Toulouse, France. The first of its kind to be operated by an african based operator, the A350-1000 will enable Ethiopian Airlines to enhance its premium service on key destinations including Washington D.C., London, Paris and Frankfurt. To date Ethiopian Airlines operates a fleet of 21 A350 Family aircraft. A total of 14 additional A350 aircraft are set to join the airline’s fleet in the coming years, including 11 A350-900 and three additional A350-1000. The A350-1000 will provide great operational commonality with the A350-900 fleet, ensuring seamless integration with shared pilots and mechanics simplifying training and maintenance processes.
With a total capacity of 395 seats, the A350-1000 will increase Ethiopian Airlines’ passenger capacity and provide enhanced passenger experience in the largest business class cabin in the airline’s fleet. Ethiopian Airlines will also introduce Airbus’ new HBCplus satcom connectivity solution, offering seamless, high-speed gate-to-gate connectivity. By the end of September 2024, 1,340 A350s had been ordered by 60 customers worldwide, making it one of the most successful widebody aircraft ever.
Riyadh Air places firm order for 60 Airbus A321neo aircraft
Riyadh Air, the new premium international airline based in Saudi Arabia, has placed a firm order for 60 A321neo family aircraft. The agreement was signed at the Future Investment Initiative (FII) in Riyadh, marking a significant milestone for Riyadh Air.
“This investment will not only enable us to support economic growth in the aviation industry, it will ensure Riyadh Air operates one of the most fuel efficient fleets. It’ll be instrumental in helping Saudi Arabia achieve its decarbonisation goals,” said Riyadh Air CEO Tony Douglas. “This deal strongly reinforces the positive economic impact of Saudi Arabia’s newest airline on both a global and local scale to facilitate the fast-growing Saudi aviation ecosystem.”
Christian Scherer, CEO of Commercial Aircraft at Airbus said: “We are proud to welcome Riyadh Air as a new Airbus customer and partner. The latest generation A321neo aircraft will bring exceptional efficiency to the airline’s operations, concrete contributions to its decarbonisation goals and comfort to its passengers. We look forward to working together to support the strong ambitions of Saudi aviation.”
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