SAF Group’s new Airbus helicopters will be deployed to conduct emergency medical service and other operations. Credit: Airbus SAS.

France-based SAF Group has placed an order for six new helicopters from Airbus. Financial terms of the deal were not disclosed.

The order consists of three light single and three light twin helicopters, which will be operated in Metropolitan France and in Reunion Island.

The helicopters will conduct emergency medical service (EMS) operations, mountain rescue, aerial work and passenger transport.

Delivery of the aircraft is expected to take place next year.

The aircraft will expand SAF’s current fleet of 44 Airbus helicopters, which are used to conduct civilian rescue and protection operations, as well as providing safety services.

SAF’s current fleet primarily features light single and twin aircraft, including 24 H135 family helicopters.

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“We are certain these new helicopters will meet SAF’s stringent requirements for performance and reliability and will increase their capability to carry out critical missions.”

Airbus Helicopters Europe head and senior vice-president Olivier Michalon said: “We are certain these new helicopters will meet SAF’s stringent requirements for performance and reliability and will increase their capability to carry out critical missions.”

In a separate development, Airbus won an order from Norway’s helicopter operator Helitrans to provide four new light single H125 helicopters.

The aircraft will be used to perform several missions including power line construction, firefighting, sightseeing trips, photo shoots and reindeer herding.

They are scheduled to be delivered next year.

Helitrans CEO Richard Simonsen said: “We have been operating the H125 for almost 20 years and we are very happy to enlarge our H125 fleet with four additional helicopters to support our business expansion.

“The aircraft’s high performance and versatility provide great mission flexibility, which is essential for our company’s wide portfolio of services.”

Over the last five years, H125 and H130 aircraft accounted for nearly 70% of deliveries in single-engine helicopter market.