Nigeria Gets Air Ambulance Boost as Airbus, Kasi Partner on H135 Helicopters
Pecohub Airbus Helicopters and Kasi Healthcare have signed an agreement for the procurement of two Airbus H135 helicopters for emergency medical services.
This pact, which was reached during the 3rd Nigeria Airlift 2026 Forum, held at the Murtala Muhammed Airport (MMA), Lagos yesterday, marked an important breakthrough in the development of advanced emergency medical aviation services in Nigeria.
With this agreement, Kasi Healthcare became the first customer for the HEMS-configured Airbus H135 helicopter in Nigeria, introducing a purpose-built aircraft solution designed specifically to support critical medical missions, emergency response, patient transfers and life-saving aeromedical operations.
Commenting on the partnership, the Medical Director, Kasi Healthcare, Dr Dayo Osholowu, said that the company was proud to pioneer the introduction of the HEMS-configured Airbus H135 in Nigeria.
Osholowu said that this strategic investment transformed the firm’s 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.”
In his comment, Head of Sales for Africa at Airbus Helicopters, Fabrice Rochereau, expressed delight with the partnership.
He confirmed that Kasi Healthcare pioneered the development of a sustainable HEMS ecosystem in Nigeria.
“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.”
The strategic investment by Kasi Healthcare aims to strengthen Nigeria’s emergency healthcare infrastructure and oil and gas sector.
Beyond aircraft acquisition, the partnership includes comprehensive support from Airbus Helicopters to build local capacity, focusing on HEMS flight crew training and pilot development as well as aircraft engineer training and technical capability building.
Airbus would also assist with maintenance support infrastructure as well as operational support to ensure international standards of safety and reliability.
