Rotortrade has announced the sale and delivery of two Airbus H145 D3 helicopters (MSN 21150 – 2023 / MSN 21210 – 2024) to SAF Hélicoptères, one of France’s leading helicopter operators.

The transaction began in February 2025 and was finalized in July 2025, with both aircraft delivered the same month and entering operational service in August 2025. The two helicopters will perform Emergency Medical Service (EMS) missions from SAF’s bases in Tremp and Sabadell, Catalonia, under a new contract with SEM (Sistema d'Emergències Mèdiques).

The aircraft, originating from Rotortrade’s THC-managed fleet, had already been configured for EMS missions, making them ideally suited to SAF’s operational requirements. Rotortrade managed every stage of the operation — from aircraft selection and repatriation from Saudi Arabia to France, to final coordination and delivery within a tight schedule — ensuring a seamless transition and enabling SAF to meet its contract launch date.

“This project was both professionally and personally rewarding,” said Senia Roulleau, Sales Manager at Rotortrade France. “We are proud to have been part of this human and operational adventure. SAF are a trusted partner, and we look forward to supporting their continued success.”

Thibault Nicodème, co-CEO of SAF Aerogroup, commented: “These two new H145 D3s are key additions to our fleet and will allow us to kick-off our emergency medical operations in Catalonia. The professionalism and responsiveness of the Rotortrade team were instrumental in ensuring we could meet our contract start date in a very short time frame of two months. We appreciate the strong partnership and look forward to continuing to work together on future projects.”

Gérard Pau, Head of Region Europe at Rotortrade, added: “This achievement perfectly illustrates our team’s ability to deliver complex, time-sensitive projects while maintaining the highest levels of service and trust. Our partnership with SAF is built on years of collaboration and mutual respect, and we are proud to see it continue to grow through successful projects like this one. Rotortrade sincerely thanks the SAF Hélicoptères team, and Thibault Nicodème, co-CEO of SAF Aerogroup, for his trust and the excellent spirit of cooperation that made this project possible.”

This sale further strengthens the long-standing relationship between Rotortrade and SAF Aerogroup. Previous collaborations include the sale of an Airbus H225 to SAF’s South African subsidiary, Starlite Aviation, and the acquisition of an Airbus H125 B3+ in 2023. SAF is now recognized as one of Rotortrade’s most valued European partners in terms of both business volume and strategic collaboration.