Air Methods Expands Fleet with Nearly 50 New Aircraft to Enhance Nationwide Air Medical Services
March 11 2025 - 9:51PM
Air Methods, the nation’s leading air medical provider, is growing
its fleet by nearly 50 aircraft to expand services across the
country and serve more patients in need of emergency transport.
Today, at the VERTICON 2025 conference in Dallas, Air Methods
signed major purchase agreements with both Bell Textron Inc. and
Airbus Helicopters, reinforcing Air Methods’ commitment to
providing cutting-edge aircraft for lifesaving missions.
“It is our mission to provide lifesaving care to as many people
as possible,” said Air Methods CEO Rob Hamilton. “With more than
100,000 patient transports each year, expanding our fleet is
critical to ensuring our crews have the safest, most reliable
aircraft to serve communities nationwide.”
As part of its agreement with Bell Textron Inc., Air Methods
will acquire up to 27 Bell helicopters, including 15 IFR-configured
Bell 407GXis, a Bell 429, and 12 additional aircraft expected in
the near future. The addition of these aircraft will further
enhance Air Methods’ ability to provide rapid and reliable
emergency medical transport to the communities it serves.
“Air Methods and Bell have worked together for the entirety of
Air Methods’ 45 years in operation. The Bell 407 and Bell 429 are
core aircraft in our fleet of over 390 aircraft,” said Leo
Morrissette, EVP of Operations at Air Methods. “The Bell 407
demonstrates exceptional performance and reliability, while the
Bell 429 provides our clinical team with the cabin capacity
necessary to deliver industry-leading specialty care to our
patients.”
Bell and Air Methods have maintained a strong partnership
spanning four decades, with Air Methods currently operating 90 Bell
aircraft. The Bell 407GXi’s single-pilot IFR capability and the
Bell 429’s advanced avionics and spacious interior make them ideal
platforms for emergency medical services (EMS) missions.
In addition to the Bell fleet expansion, Air Methods also
entered into a Global Fleet Agreement with Airbus Helicopters,
placing an order for 21 Airbus helicopters—10 H125s and 11 H135s.
As the largest global commercial operator of Airbus helicopters,
Air Methods continues to rely on the H125 and H135 models for their
safety, reliability, and ability to support critical care transport
operations.
“This agreement strengthens our ability to support our customers
with state-of-the-art aircraft and positions Air Methods for
long-term growth and innovation,” said Hamilton.
With 300 bases serving 48 states, Air Methods transports more
than 100,000 patients annually, flying over 150,000 hours each
year. The company remains dedicated to integrating the latest
technology and best-in-class aircraft to ensure rapid response
times and exceptional patient care.
- Air Methods expands fleet, signs major purchase agreements
- Air Methods expands fleet, signs major purchase agreements
Denisse Coffman
Air Methods
720-666-8499
media@airmethods.com
