American Eurocopter announced that Boston MedFlight has placed its second order this year for an EC145 helicopter for Air Medical Transport missions as part of an ongoing fleet replacement plan.
The order, which comes just weeks after Boston MedFlight took delivery of its first EC145, is an example of American Eurocopter’s continuing leadership in sales of new helicopters for Air Medical Transport and Emergency Medical Service missions. Three out of every four new helicopters put into air medical service in the last decade have been delivered by American Eurocopter.
With the Boston MedFlight order, American Eurocopter has booked sales of 23 new air medical helicopters in 2013, including eight twin-engine and 15 single-engine models. Fifteen new aircraft have been delivered to date.
“American Eurocopter continues to provide the best aircraft for air medical services,” said Anthony DiNota, American Eurocopter Vice President of Commercial Sales, Marketing, Customer Support and Training “We have sold 75 percent of all medical helicopters in the U.S. over the last 10 years. We are extremely proud of that accomplishment.”
More than 630 Eurocopter helicopters are now in operation in the U.S. air medical fleet and are in use with all of the major air medical operators. So far in 2013, operators placing orders with American Eurocopter include: Air Methods; Air Medical Resource Group; Med-Trans and Eagle Med, both operations of Air Medical Group Holdings; CALSTAR; Midwest Medical; HealthNet Aeromedical Services and Boston MedFlight.
Boston MedFlight chose the EC145 to replace its existing BK117s after a review of all the available aircraft. The speed and range of the EC145 will allow Boston MedFlight to expand its range of operations from bases in Plymouth, Bedford and North Andover, Mass. and provide greater service to offshore island communities.
“We went to great lengths to choose just the right aircraft for our fleet upgrade,” said Charles Blathras, Chief Operations Manager and Critical Care Transport Specialist for Boston MedFlight. “The EC145 is essentially a seamless transition for our pilots and crews from the BK117 and we feel it is the best airframe for HEMS operations. We looked at every competing aircraft and the EC145 will do 95 percent of what we need. Its reliability is very important and the extended range allows us to provide service and care to more communities in our area.”
“American Eurocopter is proud to be working with Boston MedFlight and pleased they continue to choose our aircraft to help provide vital services to communities in and around Boston,” said DiNota.
Boston MedFlight provides the highest level of care to more than 2,700 patients a year and has transported more than 52,000 critical patients since its founding in 1985. It currently has three helicopters in operation, including a BK117 and the new EC145 operated by ERA Helicopters. It also operates one fixed-wing aircraft. The newest EC145 will mirror the one delivered in August, featuring the latest flight control, navigation and safety technology, as well as a customized emergency medical services interior to be installed by Metro Aviation.
The EC145 has a strong sales record in the U.S. air medical service market, winning orders from operators because of the aircraft’s speed, advanced glass cockpit, extra-large cabin and its exceptional visibility. The high-set main and tail rotors of the EC145 enhance safety in ground operations, even during “hot” loading/unloading operations. The aircraft is rugged and highly reliable.
An American Eurocopter EC145 equipped for air medical transport is on display at Booth 1023 at the Air Medical Transport Conference underway in Virginia Beach.
