Helicopters Life Link III orders two helicopters to boost fleet

Life Link III has signed a purchase agreement with Leonardo Helicopters for one AW109 Trekker and one AW169 helicopter. The helicopters will be used for medical transport missions and the anticipated delivery date was placed in the fourth quarter of 2021.

This order by Life Link represents the entry of the AW109 Trekker in the United States and furthermore underlines the success of the AW169 in the country.

Lee McCammon, Vice President of Operations at Life Link III, commented: “The addition of the AW109 Trekker and AW169 will return Life Link III to instrument flight capability and further enhance our ability to deliver safe, fast, and reliable air medical transportation to the communities we serve. Our strong relationship with Leonardo supports our commitment to utilizing advanced technology to complete life-saving missions.”

William Hunt, Managing Director of Leonardo Helicopters in Philadelphia, added: “We are pleased to once again be supporting the vital life-saving missions of our long-standing partner, Life Link III. The AW109 Trekker and AW169 will be great additions to the EMS operator’s fleet and both aircraft with their high-tech capabilities will enable Life Link III to conduct its operations safely and quickly.”

Life Link will install FAA certified EMS interior in the AW169. This equipment will allow the operator to have 360-degree patient access for critical care. The AW169´s cabin measures 222 cubic ft and the helicopter is capable of traveling up to 440 nautical miles, with a top speed of 160 knots and it can climb to 14,500 feet.

The twin-engined AW109 Trekker also has high-end EMS capabilities installed. Safety standards, advanced avionics, performance and interior all will be designed for EMS operations to guarantee the smoothest procedures in critical phases.

With the purchase of the two additional helicopters, Life Link III´s fleet will grow to 14 helicopters, the company will also become the first operator to use a mixed fleet of AW119 IFR and AW109 Trekker.

Currently, Life Link is operating with 10 AW119Kx aircraft. The company´s fleet has accumulated flown a total of more than 21,000 flight hours. In July this year, Life Link signed a contract for the first IFR-certified AW119 in the civil market. This helicopter is expected to be delivered in the third quarter of next year.