Airbus and Lindo have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to explore the integration of antimicrobial blue light (aBL) disinfection technology into Helicopter Emergency Medical Services (HEMS) aircraft cabins.
The agreement, announced at the RotorTech on the Gold Coast on 7 May, will focus on research and development for continuous cabin disinfection systems designed for aeromedical helicopter operations.
The collaboration will initially examine feasibility, system integration and validation of aBL lighting technology within Airbus helicopter platforms, with the longer-term objective of certified aircraft integration.
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Robert Gangi, CEO and founder of Lindo, said the companies were investigating how occupant-safe disinfection systems could be incorporated into future aeromedical platforms.
“By investigating how occupant-safe disinfection technologies can be integrated into next-generation aeromedical platforms, we are taking a meaningful step toward reducing pathogen transmission in critical care transport, while maintaining the operational efficiency these missions require,” said Robert Gangi, CEO & Founder of Lindo.
The companies said the technology is intended to support infection control in high-utilisation medical transport cabins, where rapid turnaround times and patient movement can increase contamination risks.
Christian Venzal, Managing Director of Airbus Helicopters in Australia, New Zealand and the Pacific, said the partnership extends beyond aircraft design to cabin environment development.
“By bringing together global aerospace capability and Australian innovation, we’re exploring how the next generation of HEMS platforms can deliver not only faster, safer transport, but also a cleaner, more resilient clinical environment for patients and crews alike,” said Christian Venzal, Managing Director, Airbus Helicopters in Australia, New Zealand and the Pacific.
According to Airbus, more than 3,000 of its helicopters are currently used in HEMS operations globally. In Australia and New Zealand, Airbus H125, H135 and H145 helicopters are widely used in aeromedical missions, with the H160 and H140 expected to enter future service roles.
FAQ
What is antimicrobial blue light (aBL)?
Antimicrobial blue light is a disinfection technology designed to help reduce pathogens using specific wavelengths of visible light. The companies are evaluating its use as a continuous cabin disinfection system in medical transport aircraft.
Why is this technology being considered for HEMS operations?
HEMS aircraft operate in high-pressure medical transport environments with frequent patient transfers and rapid turnaround times. The technology is being assessed as a way to support infection control within the cabin environment.
Which aircraft platforms are involved?
The feasibility studies will focus on Airbus Helicopters platforms used in aeromedical operations, including the H125, H135 and H145.
What stage is the project currently in?
The partnership is currently in the feasibility and research phase. Initial work will include system integration studies and validation of the lighting technology within helicopter cabins.
Will the technology be installed in operational aircraft immediately?
No. The companies stated that certified aircraft integration is a longer-term objective following feasibility studies and validation work.
Who is leading the technology development?
Lindo is leading the research and development programme, supported by design partners at Marker Design.
