Airbus Helicopters has secured Nigeria’s first order for the H135 helicopter configured specifically for Helicopter Emergency Medical Services (HEMS), marking a significant milestone in the country’s efforts to modernise emergency healthcare and expand access to rapid medical evacuation.
The agreement, signed with Kasi Healthcare, provides for the procurement of up to two H135 helicopters and was announced during the 3rd Nigeria Airlift 2026 Forum in Lagos. The event, themed “Supporting the Renewed Hope Agenda Through Aeromedical Transport,” brought together stakeholders from the aviation and healthcare sectors to discuss the future of emergency medical logistics in Nigeria.
The transaction makes Kasi Healthcare the first operator in Nigeria to deploy the H135 in a dedicated air ambulance role. The twin-engine helicopter is purpose-built for emergency response, critical patient transfers, disaster relief operations, and inter-hospital medical evacuations, where speed can significantly improve patient survival rates.
The agreement extends beyond aircraft acquisition. Airbus Helicopters will provide pilot, medical crew, and maintenance technician training, alongside technical support, maintenance infrastructure, and operational assistance designed to meet internationally recognised aviation safety and reliability standards. Such end-to-end support is expected to facilitate sustainable operations as Nigeria develops its aeromedical transport capacity.
“This strategic investment transforms our ability to provide rapid, life-saving patient transfers and critical care in transit,” said Dr. Dayo Osholowu, Medical Director of Kasi Healthcare. He noted that the acquisition would enhance emergency response capabilities while helping bridge critical gaps in healthcare accessibility, particularly for patients requiring urgent specialist treatment.
Fabrice Rochereau, Head of Sales for Africa at Airbus Helicopters, described the agreement as an important step in expanding emergency medical aviation across the region.
“The H135 has proven itself globally as the premier choice for emergency medical missions. This agreement underscores our commitment to supporting the expansion of life-saving air medical capabilities across West Africa,” he said.
The H135 remains one of the world’s most widely deployed emergency medical helicopters. Equipped with Airbus’ Helionix digital avionics suite and a four-axis autopilot system, the aircraft offers enhanced flight safety, reduced pilot workload, and improved operational efficiency during demanding rescue missions. The platform currently serves more than 300 customers across 75 countries, reinforcing its position as the global market leader in emergency medical aviation.
Industry analysts say the investment could accelerate the development of Nigeria’s emergency healthcare ecosystem by reducing response times, improving access to specialised medical facilities, and strengthening disaster preparedness. As demand for advanced aeromedical services grows across West Africa, the acquisition also positions Nigeria to emerge as a regional hub for helicopter-based emergency healthcare, supporting both public health objectives and broader investments in aviation and medical infrastructure.
