2006 was a good year for Air Methods and Eurocopter: the US operator signed two contracts respectively for 15 EC135s, and the provision of ten AS350 B2 A-Stars per year on an open-ended basis. Interview with Aaron Todd, CEO of Air Methods.

You operate one of the biggest Eurocopter helicopter fleets in the world with 134 aircraft, which all fly exclusively for the EMS (Emergency Medical Service) sector. In light of these recent contracts, it seems there is no stopping you!
Aaron Todd: We have been a loyal customer of Eurocopter over many years and we have had a lot of experience with Eurocopter aircraft. In 2006, we also ordered 15 EC135s, and signed a contract for the provision of ten AS350 B2s per year over an unlimited period, and our current plans are to renew this requirement every year.

It’s not every day that companies place open-ended orders for a relatively large number of aircraft. Why did you choose to do this?
A. T.: We believe, presently, that the AS350 B2 and B3s offer the best capability for the price in the industry for singleengine technology.
This was undoubtedly the decisive factor behind our choice. What’s more, we already have 63 A-Stars and we want to harmonize and standardize our fleet.
It therefore makes sense to continue with this product, which has served us very well over a long period of time.
Finally, the AS350 B2 is now equipped with a VEMD (Vehicle and Engine Multifunction Display), which increases the level of onboard safety. As for the EC135, we already have 19 of these helicopters, which offer lots of the advantages of a twin-engine with, above all, high performance.
But the key factor behind this aircraft’s success is unquestionably the fact that it can perform missions where many single-engine aircraft cannot and at lower operating costs than a twin-engine from the medium weight category.

In your opinion, how is the EMS market in the USA going to develop over the years ahead? A. T.: We are currently enjoying a boom in terms of growth, although there are regions in the USA where growth in capacity has outpaced demand.
However, more and more hospitals are outsourcing their existing services to independent operators like Air Methods, which provides for added growth.

What type of service do you offer your customers? A. T.: Last year, we transported approximately 85,000 patients in 35 states. Our inhouse competencies allow us to provide both aviation and healthcare services to the communities and hospitals we serve, following both the hospital-based or community-based service delivery models.

What do you think of Eurocopter Customer Support?
A. T.: Eurocopter Customer Support has improved a lot over the last few years.
All helicopter manufacturers are currently finding it tough to satisfy their customers faced with strong demand from the market, which has exceeded all expectations.
Yet Eurocopter is managing pretty well.
There is still, of course, room for improvement in some areas, but we can sense very clearly that Eurocopter is doing all it can to address these issues – despite pressure from all operators – and we appreciate this attitude.

Where do you see progress needing to be made in the future?
A. T.: It is critical that manufacturers concentrate on reducing both hourly costs as well as cost for new aircraft.
In addition, support for and reliability of product will remain key criteria in our decision making.