The AW109 Trekker light twin engine helicopter has been chosen as the new helicopter to support Emergency Medical Service (EMS) operations from Rouen Hospital in Normandie, France. One aircraft, with a specially customized EMS interior, is expected be delivered by the end of 2020 from Leonardo’s Vergiate final assembly line in Italy, and the rotorcraft will be operated by S.A.F. Hélicoptères. 

The SAF Hélicoptères’ AW109 Trekker-based offer was selected following a thorough and rigorous tender process outperforming competing types. The contract award marks the entrance of this Leonardo light twin helicopter model into the French civil helicopter market and follows the success of the AW109 Power and Grand for EMS tasks in the country. This achievement also expands the number of French commercial customers using Leonardo helicopters such as the AW109 series, AW169 and AW139 for a range of roles including EMS and VIP/corporate transport. The AW109 Trekker is the perfect fit to meet other EMS requirements in France in the future.