STARS AIR AMBULANCE DELIVERS TENTH AIRBUS H145 HELICOPTER

Canadian non-profit critical care provider STARS has taken delivery of its tenth Airbus H145 helicopter, marking the completion of its initial fleet renewal plans. An Airbus operator for nearly four decades, STARS exclusively entrusts its air medical missions to its fleet of H145s.

STARS’ fleet renewal commenced with the first delivery in 2019. The initial five deliveries were the four-bladed variant. These aircraft are being upgraded to five blades, with one of the retrofits having already been completed. The final five aircraft were delivered in the 5-bladed configuration.

The five-bladed H145, the latest version of the H145 family, boasts 330 lbs. (150 kg) of increased useful load, simplifies maintenance operations and improves ride comfort for both passengers and crew. Powered by two Safran Arriel 2E engines, the H145 is equipped with full authority digital engine control (FADEC) and Airbus’s own Helionix digital avionics suite, increasing safety and reducing pilot workload. The customized aircraft have been fitted with helicopter emergency medical service (HEMS) interiors to provide the highly specialized emergency medical care for which STARS is known.