MIT signing

MIT Group’s air ambulance operator HEMS999 has agreed to purchase seven H130 light helicopters from Airbus Helicopters.

The rotorcraft will be used for emergency medical services and rescues for road and highway accidents across the Shandong province.

The company will start receiving the helicopters from the end of this year.

MIT Group president Gai Fang said: "Airbus Helicopters has been very supportive and instrumental in making our ambition to operate the country’s first provincial helicopter emergency medical service (HEMS) network covering traffic accidents a reality."

Part of Ecureuil light helicopter family, the H130 for MIT will be configured with two-pilot operational rotorcraft.

Airbus Helicopters China president Norbert Ducrot said: "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."

"It…adds to the pool of qualified pilots whose demand will keep increasing as China’s helicopter market continues to grow."

Powered by Turbomeca Arriel 2D engine, the H130 will be designed to accommodate three passengers, and will feature a HEMS kit with a plug-and-play function.

It will also have Fenestron shrouded tail rotor, active vibration system, and energy-absorbing seats to reduce vibration levels.

Airbus Helicopters light helicopters programme vice-president Mathilde Royer said: "The plug-and-play EMS kit is a new development for the H130, which clearly demonstrated the versatility of its spacious cabin."

So far, more than 500 H130s are in service, accumulating 1.4 million flight hours on multiple missions worldwide.

The deal for Airbus comes after China Minsheng International Financial Leasing (CMIFL) agreed to buy 100 Ecureuil-series rotorcraft over the next five years.

Earlier this week, Hong Kong-based Government Flying Services (GFS) placed an order with Airbus Helicopters for seven new-generation H175 rotorcraft.

Image: Officials of HEMS999 and Airbus Helicopters China at the signing of the deal. Photo: courtesy of Airbus Helicopters 2015.