GMR First North American Launch Customer for New Airbus H140

Global Medical Response (GMR) is proud to announce its role as one of the North American launch customers for Airbus’s newly developed helicopter, a purpose-built aircraft designed from the ground up to meet the complex needs of the air medical transport industry.

In 2022, Airbus invited GMR to join its customer advisory team to help with guiding the design and development of a next-generation aircraft with insights from industry leaders—feedback that would shape a platform uniquely suited to life-saving missions, rather than retrofitted after development.

“Our involvement with Airbus from the earliest phases has been about ensuring every detail of this aircraft is aligned with the real-world demands of air medical operations,” said GMR Chief Operating Officer Ted Van Horne.

GMR deployed an interdisciplinary team—including experienced pilots, aircraft maintenance professionals and frontline clinicians—to Airbus’s development facilities. These teams joined other industry leaders in deep-dive design reviews, contributing more than 600 detailed design considerations, from cabin lighting and stretcher positioning to access panels for maintenance and specialty patient transport needs.

The new aircraft, incorporates several key features directly based on input from industry leaders:

• Improved Maintenance Access: Easier access to frequently serviced components increases aircraft uptime, critical for emergency medical services operating on demand.
• Enhanced Cabin Configuration: A redesigned rear cabin “tunnel clearance” allows for better access when transporting incubators and other neonatal equipment.
• Smoother Ride Technology: The advanced rotor system reduces vibration, benefiting both patient comfort and aircraft longevity.
• Greater Payload and Range: With an increase in useful load and a 20% larger cabin, the aircraft provides more flexibility for fuel, equipment and staff—vital for missions at higher altitudes and longer distances.
• Four-Axis Autopilot System: Offers improved flight stability and safety, especially during complex operations and inclement weather conditions.

“This aircraft fills a critical gap in the market,” said Van Horne. “It offers additional capability than the H135 and a more affordable and practical option than larger helicopters. That opens additional opportunities for our health system partners for their unique mission sets.”

GMR will be the first operator of the new aircraft in North America, with 10 units already on order, five additional purchase options, and an anticipated service entry in 2029.

“This is more than a new aircraft—it’s a new advancement for the helicopter emergency services mission,” said Van Horne. “It represents what’s possible when a manufacturer and a mission-driven operator work hand in hand from the start.”