At the Paris Air Show, Airbus announced two significant agreements highlighting its continued success across both commercial and emergency aviation sectors. Airbus has signed a framework agreement with the Norwegian Air Ambulance for up to eight H145 helicopters, including two firm orders. The new aircraft will support Norway’s helicopter emergency medical services (HEMS), a field in which the Norwegian Air Ambulance has just been reappointed as the national provider.
Leif Olstad, CEO of the Norwegian Air Ambulance, commented, “With its size and capabilities, the H145 has proven well-suited for the Norwegian service, making it a natural choice.” The organisation currently operates all HEMS bases in Norway using a fleet primarily made up of 20 Airbus H135 and H145 helicopters. Its parent foundation was also the first in the world to receive the advanced five-bladed H145 in 2020.
In parallel, Taiwan’s STARLUX Airlines has placed a firm order for ten additional A350-1000 aircraft, bringing its total commitment for the type to 18. The agreement was signed by STARLUX CEO Glenn Chai and Airbus EVP Sales Benoît de Saint-Exupéry. This order reinforces STARLUX’s strategic focus on long-haul expansion and premium services.
The airline currently operates an all-Airbus fleet of 28 aircraft, including the A350-900, A330neo and A321neo. Its outstanding orderbook includes 30 additional Airbus aircraft, among them the A350F freighter and A350-1000, signalling STARLUX’s continued investment in fuel-efficient, next-generation widebodies.
