Airbus Helicopters will showcase capabilities of its H160 helicopter for the Australian aeromedical community at the Aeromed Conference in Hobart, Tasmania. The company unveiled a full-scale cabin demonstrator configured for helicopter emergency medical services (HEMS), highlighting how the aircraft is purpose-built to meet the unique demands of long-distance patient transport across Australia’s vast and diverse landscape.

The H160 stands out with the largest cabin in its class, designed with a patient-centred layout. Its wide sliding doors, flat floor, and multiple stretcher positions offer exceptional flexibility and support for up to two patients. This thoughtful design provides medical teams with 360-degree access to patients, generous space for medical teams, the ability to reach cargo storage in-flight, and the option to integrate an onboard CT scanner to expedite triage and improve patient outcomes.

“Australia’s geography places unique demands on HEMS operators, and the H160 delivers a step-change in capability,” said Christian Venzal, Managing Director of Airbus Helicopters in Australia and New Zealand. “The H160 raises the standard of care with its extended range, increased payload, and significantly quieter sound profile, a benefit for both patients and communities. Combined with very low vibration and a cabin engineered for clinical access and crew workflow, it’s a game-changer for critical patient transport.” 

The H160 is one of the world’s most technologically advanced helicopters, designed and built to deliver the highest levels of operational safety while providing unmatched comfort for rotorcraft in its class. Capable of performing wide-ranging missions including emergency medical services, search and rescue, firefighting, law enforcement, private and business aviation, and offshore transportation, the H160 has entered into service in Japan, Brazil, Canada, France, Malaysia, Philippines, Saudi Arabia, South Korea, U.K., U.S. and many other European countries.

Beyond cabin ergonomics, the H160’s design reduces environmental and community impact while boosting mission performance. Its innovative Blue Edge main rotor blades and canted Fenestron tail rotor cut perceived sound by up to 50% compared to conventional designs. Optimised with Safran Arrano engines, the H160 delivers lower fuel consumption and CO2 emissions. It is also certified to fly with a 50% blend of sustainable aviation fuel (SAF).

Visitors to Aeromed can explore the H160 HEMS cabin demonstrator at the Airbus booth located in the exhibition hall.