MIT Group’s HEMS999 provides China’s first highway accident helicopter rescue services with purchase of seven H130s
HEMS999, an air ambulance operator under the MIT Group, signed an agreement with Airbus Helicopters today, for an order of seven H130 light helicopters. Scheduled for delivery starting towards the end of 2015, HEMS999 will be providing these rotorcraft for emergency medical services and rescues for road and highway accidents across the Shandong province.
“Shandong is one of the most economically vibrant regions in China. It is a big province with massive highways and a constantly increasing car population. We are convinced that the availability of air ambulance services will be greatly appreciated,” said Gai Fang, President of the MIT Group. “Airbus Helicopters has been very supportive and instrumental in making our ambition to operate the country’s first provincial HEMS network covering traffic accidents a reality.”
The H130 comes from the renowned Ecureuil light helicopter family which is typically operated by one pilot, but MIT’s H130 will be delivered with a two-pilot configuration. “This ability to accommodate two pilots is a key strength of the H130 – it helps to increase the flight experience of young pilots and adds to the pool of qualified pilots whose demand will keep increasing as China’s helicopter market continues to grow,” said Norbert Ducrot, President of Airbus Helicopters China.
In addition to the two-pilot configuration, the H130 can accommodate three medical staff or passengers comfortably in its rear seats and a specific HEMS kit inclusive of a stretcher, developed by Air Ambulance Technology. The HEMS kit can be installed via a “plug-and-play” function in less than 10 minutes. Performance and fuel efficiency is enhanced by the modern Turbomeca Arriel 2D engine.
“The H130’s entry into China’s HEMS market marks a breakthrough for this light aircraft, which is recognized worldwide for its performance, quality, comfort and multi-mission capability,” said Mathilde Royer, Vice President of Airbus Helicopters’ Light Helicopters Program. “The plug-and-play EMS kit is a new development for the H130 which clearly demonstrated the versatility of its spacious cabin.”
Included in the well-rounded safety aspects of the H130 are the medical staff and patient-friendly facilities such as a wide cabin with unobstructed access and flat floor for easy placement of a stretcher; the Fenestron® shrouded tail rotor for added safety when approaching the aircraft; the active vibration system and energy-absorbing seats to reduce vibration levels and improve comfort for the patient.
More than 500 H130s are in service today, accumulating 1.4 million flight hours performing multiple missions globally.
Chinese leasing company CMIFL signs agreement for 100 H125/H130 helicopters over five years
CM International Financial Leasing Corp., Ltd. (CMIFL) is to acquire 100 Airbus Helicopters Ecureuil-series rotorcraft over five years, with the initial order of 10 units to be delivered in 2016.
CMIFL plans to offer these light single-engine helicopters to operators complete with financing solutions, paving the way for easier and faster development of China’s burgeoning general aviation sector.
“The relaxation of low-altitude airspace regulations in China signals exciting times ahead as helicopters are in need to accelerate infrastructural development and provide for society demands including medical airlift services and passenger transport,” said Wang Rong, CMIFL Chairman & President. “CMIFL endeavors to provide leasing solutions and financial packages to ease the process of acquiring helicopters to meet these needs.”
Announced today at the China Heli-Expo held in Tianjin, the agreement for H125 and H130 Ecureuil versions provides a framework for CMIFL to become the first – and largest – rotorcraft leasing company in China. CMIFL has an equivalent capital of 1 billion euros, and is a subsidiary of China Minsheng Investment – one of the largest Chinese investment companies, with interests in the financing of aviation sector projects.
“This agreement augurs well for Chinese operators who will benefit from new financial leasing solutions and potential customers now have a viable and low-risk solution to launch or expand their commercial rotorcraft operations,” said Norbert Ducrot, President of Airbus Helicopters China. “It is a significant achievement for our team in China, as they are dedicated to always look for solutions to adapt to our customers’ needs.”
CMIFL’s selection has reinforced the position of the H125/H130 family as the best-in-class light single-engine helicopter, renowned for its performance, reliability, safety and multi-mission capabilities. CMIFL’s H125s will be configured for multi-role duties and equipped with a 1.4 metric ton cargo hook.
Its H130s are to be outfitted with a new emergency medical services kit from Air Ambulance Technology, which is specially designed to accommodate two pilots (meeting Chinese regulations and responding to the country’s operating conditions), along with one stretcher and up to three passengers or medical attendants.
About Airbus Helicopters China
Created in December 2006, Airbus Helicopters China is the local based customer center of Airbus Helicopters, responsible for sales and customer support activities for the company’s entire range of products.
In China, Airbus Helicopters has a market share of 40%. With 45 years of presence and over 30 years of experience in industrial cooperation in China, more than 140 civil and parapublic helicopters from Airbus Helicopters are flying in the country today.
In order to provide quality service in proximity to Chinese operators, Airbus Helicopters China has established a multi-based organization in Beijing, Shanghai, Shenzhen, Harbin, Chengdu, Wuhan and Hong Kong staffed with around 100 employees
