Airbus Helicopters and Kasi Healthcare have signed an agreement for the procurement of up to two Airbus H135 helicopters configured for Helicopter Emergency Medical Services (HEMS), marking a major step forward in the development of advanced aeromedical services in Nigeria.
The agreement was announced during the 3rd Nigeria Airlift 2026 Forum and makes Kasi Healthcare the first operator in Nigeria to introduce the HEMS-configured Airbus H135, a purpose-built helicopter designed for emergency medical missions, patient transfers and critical care operations.
The acquisition is expected to strengthen Nigeria’s emergency healthcare infrastructure by improving access to rapid medical transport and life-saving emergency response services.
Dr. Dayo Osholowu, Medical Director of Kasi Healthcare, described the agreement as a transformative investment for the country’s healthcare sector.
“We are incredibly proud to pioneer the introduction of the HEMS-configured Airbus H135 in Nigeria,” Osholowu said. “This strategic investment transforms our ability to provide rapid, life-saving patient transfers and critical care in transit. Partnering with Airbus allows us to elevate national healthcare standards and deliver dependable emergency response when and where it is needed most.”
Airbus Helicopters said the H135 has established itself as the global benchmark for emergency medical missions, thanks to its performance, safety and adaptable cabin design.
“The H135 is a perfect choice for Kasi Healthcare as they develop a sustainable HEMS ecosystem in Nigeria,” said Fabrice Rochereau, Head of Sales for Africa at Airbus Helicopters. “The H135 has proven itself globally as the premier choice for emergency medical missions due to its high performance and versatile cabin layout. This agreement underscores our commitment to supporting the expansion of life-saving air medical capabilities across West Africa.”
In addition to supplying the helicopters, Airbus Helicopters will support the development of Nigeria’s HEMS ecosystem through pilot and flight crew training, aircraft engineer training, technical capability development, maintenance infrastructure and operational support. The partnership aims to ensure international standards of safety, reliability and operational excellence.
The collaboration is expected to position Nigeria as a regional leader in air medical services across the healthcare, energy and public safety sectors while supporting broader national healthcare transformation goals.
The Airbus H135 is widely used for emergency medical operations worldwide and features the Helionix digital avionics suite, a four-axis autopilot, and a spacious, flexible cabin that enables medical crews to provide critical care during patient transport.
