Norwegian Air Ambulance Orders More H145s
At the Paris Air Show 2026, Norwegian Air Ambulance signed a new frame contract with Airbus for up to eight H145 helicopters, reinforcing a long-standing partnership between the two organizations. The agreement includes a firm order for two H145s, a model already at the core of the Norwegian Air Ambulance fleet.
Announced on June 18, 2026, the deal further strengthens Norwegian Air Ambulance’s operational capabilities as it continues to serve as the exclusive Helicopter Emergency Medical Services (HEMS) provider across Norway. The organization currently operates 20 Airbus H135 and H145 helicopters across all of its emergency bases in the country.
The H145 is a light twin-engine helicopter widely used in HEMS missions due to its compact size, high payload capacity, and ability to land in challenging environments. The newest version of the H145 includes a five-bladed bearingless main rotor, which allows it to lift 150kg more than its predecessor while reducing maintenance complexity and increasing ride comfort.
“The Norwegian Air Ambulance has just been chosen again by Norway as the helicopter emergency medical services provider in the country,” said Leif Olstad, CEO of Norwegian Air Ambulance. “With its size and capabilities, the H145 has proven well-suited for the Norwegian service, making it a natural choice.”
The Norwegian Air Ambulance Foundation, the parent company, was notably the first operator worldwide to take delivery of the five-bladed H145 when it launched in 2020. The new agreement builds on a relationship rooted in operational excellence, innovation, and trust in Airbus’s rotorcraft solutions.
Thomas Hein, Head of Europe Region at Airbus Helicopters, welcomed the continued collaboration. “We are honored to open another chapter with Norwegian Air Ambulance,” said Hein. “The H145’s global reputation in HEMS, combined with its class-leading low acoustic footprint, CO2 emissions, and operating costs, ensures it’s the ideal choice for continued life-saving missions in Norway.”
The five-bladed rotor system not only increases payload capacity but also simplifies logistics and enhances serviceability, making the H145 especially valuable for remote and weather-sensitive regions like Norway. The design eliminates the need for a traditional rotor hub, contributing to reduced maintenance requirements and downtime.
Airbus reports that more than 1,750 helicopters from the H145 family are in operation globally, with a combined total of over eight million flight hours. Its wide adoption in HEMS, law enforcement, offshore support, and utility missions highlights its versatility and reliability.
For Norwegian Air Ambulance, this new agreement ensures it remains at the forefront of emergency medical aviation, with the latest helicopter technology supporting critical missions across one of Europe’s most geographically diverse and rugged terrains. The expanded H145 fleet will support both scheduled and urgent response operations, ensuring faster, safer, and more efficient access to life-saving care throughout Norway.
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