Airbus Expects Future HEMS Ecosystem with eVTOL LifeSaver Program

Airbus has emphasized the role that eVTOLs can play in the public health and emergency services (HEMS) ecosystem with its CityAirbus NextGen aircraft and LifeSaver program at the second Airbus Summit held in December.

The program LifeSaver, which combines digital technology and public health expertise, is designed to integrate new technologies and the ecosystem between the ground and air, as well as help governments manage this complex network for the future generation. The program is being trialed in Estonia.

Instead of replacing helicopters, the company expects to “add value” to existing HEMS missions using electric-powered aircraft as a “complementary technology” that produces zero emissions and low noise.

“Public health and emergency services are one of the first use cases of any new technology, and this is why we believe air medical services will really be one of the first use cases (for eVTOLs),” said Balkiz Sarihan, Head of Urban Air Mobility (UAM) Strategy Execution and Partnerships at Airbus.

Airbus’ CityAirbus NextGen is a four-seater eVTOL that will have an 80 km (50 miles) range and a top cruise speed of 120 km/h (75 mph).

“Novel air mobility offers huge opportunities,” said Henrik Hololei, Director General of Mobility and Transport, European Commission, during the Airbus Summit. “It is estimated that by 2050, over 70% of the world’s population will be living in cities. This calls for novel forms of transport to meet the increasing demand from the public to address mobility needs, as well as deliver public services.”