Air Transport Europe orders Airbus H135 and H140 helicopters

The HEMS operator in Slovakia expands its fleet with new Airbus models.

Mar. 12, 2026 at 4:04pm

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Air Transport Europe (ATE), a helicopter emergency medical services (HEMS) operator in Slovakia, has announced a contract with Airbus Helicopters for the purchase of one Airbus H135 and one Airbus H140 helicopter. The new aircraft will enhance ATE's ability to provide high-standard emergency medical care, especially in challenging environments.

Why it matters

The addition of the Airbus H135 and H140 helicopters to ATE's fleet will allow the HEMS operator to leverage the latest advancements in helicopter technology to improve emergency medical services in Slovakia and the Czech Republic. The H135 and H140 are known for their performance, safety, and passenger comfort, making them well-suited for ATE's critical missions.

The details

The Airbus H135 is the market leader in the HEMS segment, known for its high safety standards, compact footprint, and low sound levels. Equipped with the Helionix digital avionics suite and a 4-axis autopilot, it offers an ideal platform for primary and secondary medical missions. The H140 is Airbus Helicopters' latest light twin-engine model, featuring innovations such as a new T-shaped tail boom, a five-blade bearingless main rotor, and powerful Safran engines. The H140 also boasts a larger cabin space, large windows, and optimized layout to accommodate up to six passengers comfortably.

  • The contract between ATE and Airbus Helicopters was announced on March 11, 2026.
  • The entry into service of the Airbus H140 is planned for 2028 for the EMS segment.

The players

Air Transport Europe (ATE)

A helicopter emergency medical services (HEMS) operator in Slovakia, providing 24/7 HEMS services from seven bases across Slovakia and two bases in the neighboring Czech Republic.

Airbus Helicopters

A subsidiary of Airbus, a leading manufacturer of helicopters for various markets, including emergency medical services, passenger transport, and private and business aviation.

Milan Hoholik

The CEO of Air Transport Europe.

Thomas Hein

The Head of Europe Region at Airbus Helicopters.

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What they’re saying

“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. By integrating the Helionix equipped H135 and the H140 into our operations, we are embarking on a new level that will enhance our ability to reach patients in challenging environments and provide them with the best possible care.”

— Milan Hoholik, CEO of Air Transport Europe

“We are honored to welcome Air Transport Europe as a new Airbus H140 customer and are proud that they have placed their trust in our helicopters for their essential HEMS operations in Slovakia and Czech Republic. This partnership reflects our shared commitment to excellence in air rescue, and we look forward to seeing our H135 and H140 helicopters contributing to saving lives and supporting ATE's highly skilled crews in their daily missions.”

— Thomas Hein, Head of Europe Region at Airbus Helicopters

What’s next

The entry into service of the Airbus H140 helicopter is planned for 2028 for the EMS segment.

The takeaway

The addition of the Airbus H135 and H140 helicopters to Air Transport Europe's fleet will enable the HEMS operator to leverage the latest advancements in helicopter technology to enhance its ability to provide high-quality emergency medical care, especially in challenging environments, and support its mission of saving lives in Slovakia and the Czech Republic.