Babcock launches first nordic EMS AW169

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Babcock subsidiary Scandinavian Air Ambulance is operating the first EMS-configured AgustaWestland AW169 in the Nordic region.

It is flying the helicopter on behalf of Swedish hospital Region Jämtland Härjedalen. The new helicopter’s first mission was a four-hour round transfer of a patient that took place on 13 January.

The AW169 has replaced a legacy AS3N65N2 that the hospital has operated since 2006 and is operating out of Babcock’s base in Östersund, Sweden.

“It’s a big and historic event for us and for the region to finally get airborne – in active duty – with the AW169,” said company production manager Thure Waplan. “The launch has been preceded by a long period of customisation and training to ensure the highest quality and safety right from the start, which means that we are very delighted to start our operations with such a capable helicopter.”

Out with the Old

The Östersund base is the first of four Babcock Scandinavian Air Ambulance bases to be replacing legacy aircraft with the AW169. The operators bases in Gällivare, Lycksele and Gothenburg are due to replace their helicopters with AW169s this year.

“Overall, we are currently embarked on the most extensive upgrade of Sweden’s EMS helicopter inventory ever,” said Waplan. “We manage this task with great confidence and respect, and we are also very grateful for the trust we are given.”

Alongside this, Babcock’s main base in Stockholm will be replacing its two helicopters with H145s in Spring.

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