Memorial Hermann Life Flight Pioneers Use of Airbus H160 for Emergency Medical Services

Memorial Hermann Life Flight® is set to become the first emergency medical services program globally to operate the Airbus H160 helicopter. Alongside the H160, they have placed orders for four H145 helicopters, replacing their existing fleet of EC145s.

Founded in 1976 by trauma surgeon James “Red” Duke, M.D., Memorial Hermann Life Flight® serves the community within a 150-mile radius of the Texas Medical Center in Houston. The program has exclusively used Airbus helicopters since its inception, completing over 166,000 lifesaving missions.

The new fleet investment aims to expand their reach and enhance their ability to provide critical air ambulance transport. The H160 boasts advanced technology and safety features, a larger cabin and cargo space, increased fuel load, and quick reconfiguration times, effectively turning it into a mobile intensive care unit.

Tom Flanagan, Consultant and Program Director, highlighted the enhanced capabilities provided by the H160, emphasizing its role in improving patient care during transport. The H160 is known for its large cabin, low vibration levels, and quiet operation due to the Blue Edge rotor blades, ensuring a comfortable experience for both patients and healthcare professionals.

In addition to the H160, the H145 family helicopters are also a key part of Memorial Hermann Life Flight®’s fleet. With more than 1,675 H145s in service worldwide, these helicopters have logged over 7.6 million flight hours. They are equipped with Safran Arriel 2E engines, a digital avionics suite, and a high-performance autopilot, making them the quietest and most efficient helicopters in their class.

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