Skärgårdshavets Helikoptertjänst buys three EC135s

The Finnish air medical company Skärgårdshavets Helikoptertjänst (SHT) has purchased four brand new Eurocopter EC 135 P2is to modernize its helicopter fleet. The fast-paced deliveries were conducted in the fourth quarter of 2012.

The new helicopters are replacing three older EC135s operated by SHT, boosting its total inventory to five EC helicopters, which are flown from bases across the country.

SHT has logged 11,000 hours to date with its fleet of EC135s. The company began emergency medical airlift services and air ambulance flights in 1990 with a Bo 105 CB, which provided 15 years of loyal service.

SHT will utilize the new rotorcraft at the Helicopter Emergency Medical Service (HEMS) bases in Helsinki, Turku, Tampere and Mariehamn. Another helicopter is used for HEMS crew training and as a backup aircraft.
Worldwide, there are more than 1000 EC135s in service; around 50% are for emergency medical services.