The 999 Emergency Rescue Center (999 Center), a subsidiary of the Beijing Red Cross Foundation, signed a contract with Airbus Helicopters China today for the purchase of one Airbus Helicopters EC135 P2e, with an option for another similar unit. The light twin-engine helicopter is scheduled to be delivered before the end of 2014, and will be China’s first helicopter fully equipped to perform helicopter emergency medical services (HEMS) missions in the country.

“We would like to congratulate Beijing 999 Center for making history by being the pioneer HEMS provider in China,” said Norbert Ducrot, President of Airbus Helicopters China. “We are very honoured that 999 Center has placed their trust in us and our products, and we are committed to support them in the development of a successful HEMS program in China.”

The EC135 P2e will be fully kitted out with medical systems and equipment from Bucher, the same provider for many established European HEMS operators. In addition, Airbus Helicopters will utilize their extensive experience and network to organize tie-ups and co-operation for 999 Center with leading European air rescue operators, to ensure a smooth and successful initiation of their HEMS operations.

“As a worldwide leading rotorcraft manufacturer, Airbus Helicopters has a very good and long-standing partnership with China’s helicopter industry. Today, with the acquisition of our own helicopters from Airbus Helicopters, we will be able to enhance emergency medical services and offer time-critical rescue services more efficiently,” said Tian Zhenbiao, Vice Director of Beijing Red Cross Emergency Rescue Center.

As a leading helicopter provider in the air rescue segment, Airbus Helicopters occupies 67% market share worldwide in the HEMS segment, with the EC135 being one of the reference helicopters alongside its bigger counterpart EC145. Approximately 25 percent of all medical emergency operations around the globe are performed with the EC135. A total of more than 1,100 EC135 have been delivered worldwide, and more than 500 of these rotorcraft are in HEMS configurations.

The EC135 combines a wide, unobstructed cabin with excellent performance, range and payload capacity – along with low-noise operations. The helicopter’s oversized sliding side doors and rear clamshell doors enable fast loading/unloading of patients – with additional safety during ground operations ensured by its shrouded Fenestron tail rotor.

Photo –  Left: Norbert Ducrot, President of Airbus Helicopters China  – – Right: Li Libing, President of Beijing Red Cross 999 Cente

About Beijing 999 Center
Beijing Red Cross Emergency Rescue center (999) is subordinate to Beijing Red Cross. It is a public institution formally approved by Beijing municipal commission office. Nearly two million person-times of various kinds of patients have been rescued since it was opened on 18th, May, 2001. Meanwhile, “999” has been assisting the government to offer Beijing citizens the first-aid treatment and medical rescue supports. In order to provide professional, highly efficient and good-quality air rescue services to patients at home and abroad, “999” established the first center applying motorcycle, fixed wing aircraft and helicopter to emergency rescue services, playing the function of emergency rescue and transport within and among cities with the real three-dimensional rescue system.

About Airbus Helicopters
Airbus Helicopters, formerly Eurocopter, is a division of Airbus Group, a global pioneer in aerospace and defense related services. Airbus Helicopters is the world’s No. 1 helicopter manufacturer and employs more than 23,000 people worldwide. With 46 percent market share in civil and parapublic sectors, the company’s fleet in service includes some 12,000 helicopters operated by more than 3,000 customers in approximately 150 countries. Airbus Helicopters’ international presence is marked by its subsidiaries and participations in 21 countries, and its worldwide network of service centers, training facilities, distributors and certified agents. Airbus Helicopters’ range of civil and military helicopters is the world’s largest; its aircraft account for one third of the worldwide civil and parapublic fleet. The company’s chief priority is to ensure the safe operation of its aircraft for the thousands of people who fly more than 3 million hours per year.