2

Boston MedFlight continues upgrading fleet with Airbus Helicopters EC145s

Airbus Helicopters Press Release | March 1, 2014

Estimated reading time 3 minutes, 8 seconds.

In keeping with its commitment to provide the highest level of service for patients, Boston MedFlight continues to upgrade its fleet with the planned addition of a second EC145 purchased from Airbus Helicopters Inc.
After a review of all the available aircraft, Boston MedFlight officials selected the EC145 in 2012 to replace their existing BK117 aircraft. With its speed and range, the EC145 allows Boston MedFlight to expand its range of operations from its bases in Plymouth, Bedford and North Andover, Mass., and to provide greater service to offshore island communities.
“Having chosen the EC145 because of the known characteristics coming from a BK117 fleet, we knew what to expect. Now having operated this model on patient missions since October, it’s exceeded our expectations and reaffirmed our decision,” said Charles Blathras, Chief Operations Manager and Critical Care Transport Specialist for Boston MedFlight. “We’re excited about the coming delivery of our second EC145, which will provide a standard platform and be the workhorse of our fleet.”
Boston MedFlight placed its first EC145 into service in August 2013. The second aircraft is scheduled for delivery in May upon completion by Metro Aviation. Both EC145s feature the latest flight control, navigation and safety technology, as well as a customized, emergency medical services interior.
“The stability and comfort of the ride is noticeably improved,” said Blathras. “The integrated avionics have given our pilots a significant comfort factor in utilizing this aircraft to its potential. Medically speaking, our crews enjoy the spacious cabin and the transition to a wheeled stretcher has improved our overall efficiency and made us less reliant on ancillary staff to complete our missions. The increased visibility from within the cockpit and cabin allows our crew to assist our pilots with obstruction clearance, which enhances the safety of our operations.”
Transporting more than 52,000 patients since 1985, Boston MedFlight currently has three helicopters in service, including the existing EC145 and BK117. The helicopters are operated by ERA Helicopters.
Boston MedFlight’s choice of the EC145 is an example of Airbus Helicopter’s continuing leadership in sales of new helicopters for air medical transport and emergency medical service missions.
“We are pleased that Boston MedFlight continues to choose Airbus Helicopters to help provide vital services to communities in and around Boston,” said Treg Manning, Vice President of Sales and Marketing for Airbus Helicopters Inc. “Airbus Helicopters provides the best aircraft for air medical services, selling 75 percent of all new air medical helicopters in the U.S. over the last 10 years. We are extremely proud of that accomplishment.”

Leave a comment

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

HAI Heli-Expo 2024 Recap

Notice a spelling mistake or typo?

Click on the button below to send an email to our team and we will get to it as soon as possible.

Report an error or typo

Have a story idea you would like to suggest?

Click on the button below to send an email to our team and we will get to it as soon as possible.

Suggest a story