China takes delivery of Airbus Helicopters’ air ambulance

Airbus Helicopters has delivered a new EC135 P2e helicopter to China’s 999 Emergency Rescue Center (999 Center), which is a subsidiary of Beijing Red Cross Society of China, in a bid to expand its efforts to deliver air ambulance services.

The new helicopter integrates systems that help the agency in executing helicopter emergency medical services (HEMS) missions in the country.

Speaking about EC135 helicopter, Beijing Red Cross Society of China executive vice-president Ma Runhai said: "It enables us to help achieve the national strategic goal of comprehensively deepening the reforms and propelling the modernisation of the governance system and capacities.

"It will also help Beijing Red Cross Society of China to achieve the goal of becoming a leader in China and a first-class organisation in the world."

In addition to the latest delivery, the agency will also receive another aircraft during the first quarter 2015, while the agency has also signed a letter of intent for two EC145 T2 rotorcraft.

The twin-engine rotorcraft integrates Bucher’s medical systems, while its oversized sliding side doors and rear clamshell doors allow faster loading/unloading of patients, with further safety during ground operations.

Airbus Helicopters China president Norbert Ducrot said: "The relaxation of China’s low-altitude airspace augurs well for the development of HEMS which is very much needed in a country of such geographical and population size.

"999 Center’s initiative to launch this public service is highly commendable and will be well-appreciated by the people of China."

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Image: Officials during the delivery of EC135 helicopter. Photo: courtesy of Airbus Helicopters.