Air Transport Europe (ATE), a Slovakia-based helicopter emergency medical services (HEMS) operator, signed a contract with Airbus Helicopters on March 11, 2026, for one Airbus H135 and one Airbus H140 helicopter. The aircraft will support 24/7 HEMS operations from seven bases in Slovakia and two in the Czech Republic.
The H135, market leader in HEMS with over 700 units worldwide, features the Helionix digital avionics suite and 4-axis autopilot. It offers a maximum speed of 259 km/h, range of 633 km, endurance of 3 hours 36 minutes, and hover ceiling of 2,195 m out-of-ground effect. Powered by twin Safran Arrius 2B2 Plus or Pratt & Whitney PW206B3 engines, its maximum takeoff weight reaches 2,980 kg with alternate gross weight certification up to 3,100 kg. The design includes aft clamshell doors for stretcher loading, a spacious cabin compliant with EN13718 standards, and low noise levels from its Fenestron tail rotor.
The H140, a new 3-tonne light twin unveiled in 2025, enters service in 2028 for EMS. It incorporates a T-shaped tail boom with optimized Fenestron, five-blade bearingless main rotor from the H145, and powerful Safran engines. Enhancements provide up to 80 kg additional hover lift, larger cabin space, large windows, clamshell rear doors, and sliding side doors for stretcher systems including intensive care units. The layout accommodates up to six passengers with flat floor access from cockpit to rear.
“Our priority has always been to provide the highest standard of emergency medical care, which requires a fleet that is both versatile and technologically advanced,” said Milan Hoholik, CEO of Air Transport Europe.