Beijing 999 gets first H145 for Chinese SAR

Beijing 999 Emergency Rescue Centre, a subsidiary of Beijing Red Cross Foundation, has agreed to purchase one Airbus H145 to be used for emergency medical and search and rescue (SAR) operations.

The helicopter is scheduled for delivery in 2019 and will fly on mountain rescue services for the 2022 Winter Olympics.

The operator currently has two H135s, which were the first fully-equipped air ambulances in the country. These aircraft currently operate missions in Beijing, Tianjin, and Hebei regions in China.

Li Libing, director of Beijing 999 said: “This is a further step in our excellent cooperation with Airbus Helicopters on the SAR/EMS market in China.

“The know-how, expertise, and extensive experience of Airbus Helicopters in this segment enable us to promote the efficiency and development of medical emergency and rescue services in China. It will also help Beijing 999 to become a leader in China for these missions.”

This is the first H145 to be outfitted with a hoist and full medical interior. The aircraft is equipped for mountain rescue operations and long range ambulance transfer missions and features weather radar and floats.

Wolfgang Schoder, CEO of Airbus Helicopters Germany said: “The H145’s entry into China’s SAR/EMS market is a remarkable milestone for this light twin engine rotorcraft, which is recognised worldwide for its excellent performance, spacious cabin, and multi-mission capability. It’s a perfect solution to accelerate the development of this fast-growing sector in China.”

This joins the 1,100 H145s in service across the globe. In total, the aircraft have logged a total of more than four million flight hours.