Blending medicine and aviation: a strategic shift for EURAMI

The European Aero-Medical Institute (EURAMI) has traditionally been known for its strong medical focus. Why is aviation now taking centre stage in the Strategy Project?

Philipp Schneider: The short answer is safety. In 2025, the aeromedical community was shaken by several severe aircraft accidents that resulted in the technical destruction of aircraft. In accordance with ICAO Annex 13, such events automatically trigger state-led accident investigations. These incidents made it very clear to us that aeromedical transport safety cannot be viewed through a purely medical lens. Medicine and aviation are inseparable in this field – if the aviation framework fails, the best medical care on board becomes irrelevant. Juan Pablo Monzón: Exactly. EURAMI has always stood for quality in aeromedical transport, but quality must be systemic. Aviation is not just a ‘supporting function’; it is a core safety pillar. That realisation led to the strategic decision to significantly strengthen and formally integrate aviation elements into future EURAMI audits.

This strategic shift was formally launched at the EURAMI Conference in Venice. What was the significance of that event?

Schneider: The 2026 EURAMI Conference in Venice was a milestone. Under the motto ‘Safety and Quality in Aeromedical Transport’, we deliberately brought together experts from medicine, aviation, and global procurement. Inviting highranking procurement specialists from the UN Department of Operational Support in New York sent a strong signal: EURAMI’s standards must be robust, credible, and relevant at the highest international level.

Monzón: The conference set the tone for what we want to achieve – blending the best of medicine and aviation under one umbrella of safety and quality. It also validated our approach. Stakeholders clearly expect EURAMI to look beyond clinical excellence and assess the maturity of aviation management and safety systems as well.

Does this mean EURAMI standards need to be amended?

Monzón: Yes, very clearly. The current standards need more precise definitions regarding aviation quality and safety management. This includes how operators manage safety systems, the quality of their records, the handling of authority audit findings, and the closure of open issues.

Schneider: We are also working on a differentiated approach based on the level of oversight provided by competent aviation authorities. A proposal is being developed to include a list of recognised authorities – such as the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) or authorities overseeing International Air Transport Association (IATA) members. Operators not monitored by such authorities may be required to provide additional evidence. We are also reviewing technical standards, for example requirements related to cockpit voice recorders.

EURAMI has also established an International Aviation Expert Group. What role does this group play?

Monzón: This group, which Philipp and I jointly chair, is central to the strategy. It defines qualification requirements for aviation experts, determines which parts of the standards can be covered by desktop audits, and advises on when onsite audits are necessary.

Schneider: It also ensures consistency and independence. Aviation expertise must be applied uniformly across all members, regardless of size or geography.

Aviation is not just a ‘supporting function’; it is a core safety pillar

In one sentence, what is the core message of this strategic shift?

Schneider: Safety and quality in aeromedical transport can only be achieved when medicine and aviation are assessed together, with equal rigour.

Monzón: EURAMI is evolving to reflect reality: excellence in aeromedical care starts on the ground, continues in the aircraft, and is governed by a unified safety culture.