Case Study: European Air Ambulance sets a course for the future
Luxembourg-based European Air Ambulance (EAA), one of the largest specialised providers of air ambulance services in Europe, is setting the course for a successful future by pursuing a customercentric strategy and a clear roadmap for the coming years.
In order to meet the requirements of the demanding air ambulance market, EAA has started the renewal of its fleet. The Challenger 605 was launched already in autumn 2021, a major investment that will provide EAA with greater aeromedical capabilities worldwide. By the end of this year, the aircraft will be fitted with a brand new, customised and state-of-the-art cabin. Earlier this year, a new ultralight loading ramp was put into service. Developed in collaboration with a local partner, the ramp enables faster loading and unloading of the Challenger 605.
Following the arrival of the Challenger 605, it was decided to sell two Learjet 45XR aircraft. The three Learjets 45XR remaining in the EAA fleet continue to be reliable workhorses, but EAA will be looking for suitable replacements in the coming years. While no decision has yet been made on a successor model, a shortlist of possible options has been drawn up. Investments in medical equipment will continue steadily, such as a new fully equipped incubator
platform launched this spring.
In addition to the fleet renewal, operational processes have been evaluated.
Based on internal and external audits and with the involvement of all employees,
processes are being optimised in order to achieve efficiency improvements. As part of the new strategy, investments in software and hardware will be made in the coming months. New operational tools and further digitalisation, both in the office and on the planes, will enable EAA to enhance its service quality for the benefit of patients, partners and customers. Not least, ongoing investment in its employees is one of EAA’s top priorities: staff numbers have been increased compared to the pre-COVID period, both to maintain the high level of service and to allow for continuous training of all employees.
Its commitment to patient care, continuous innovation and ongoing investment in both services and equipment places the EAA Team at the forefront of the worldwide emergency medical transport industry. EAA’s mission is to save human lives, even in the most complicated and dangerous situations, delivering the highest levels of expertise and professionalism. By focusing on the needs and requirements of its customers, EAA will continue to live up to its mission in the years to come.
About European Air Ambulance
Led by Frank Halmes, CEO, and Jérôme Pin, Deputy CEO, EAA can rely on extensive expertise and established knowledge in the air ambulance industry. Didier Dandrifosse, who has been responsible for all medical aspects within EAA for 21 years, is continuing to provide a high level of medical expertise together with his highly experienced and well-trained team. In collaboration with Daniel Tanson, in charge of flight operations, he heads EAA’s in-house control centre, which serves clients including insurance and assistance companies, charter brokers, individuals, NGOs and governments around the world, 24/7/365. Tom Hienckes joined European Air Ambulance as Business Development Manager in February 2022. Drawing on his 10-year commercial and operational background in business aviation, he is particularly concerned with customer relations, account management and the development of the air ambulance activities.
European Air Ambulance is part of the Luxembourg Air Rescue Group, a nonprofit organisation with no shareholders. All profits are reinvested in the company, enabling it to remain at the forefront of the air rescue industry.
September 2022
Issue
In the September 2022 issue of the Air Ambulance Review:
- Training fixed-wing medical crews. We discuss how training fixed-wing medical crews differs from other kinds of training.
- We dive into the move to long-range jets many companies are undertaking.
- Plus: An interview with FAI, case studies and we dig deeper into how air ambulance operators kept crews safe during the pandemic.
Tom Hienckes
Born and raised in Luxembourg, Tom Hienckes was fascinated by aviation since early childhood. After his studies in aviation management, he joined a business jet operator, working in the charter sales and in aircraft management departments in Luxembourg and London. In 10 years, he received a significant knowledge of the commercial and operational aspects in aviation. Fluent in English, French, German and Luxembourgish, he dealt with B2B clients as well as with direct clients. He accepted a new challenge in the air ambulance industry by joining the European Air Ambulance as Business Development Manager in February 2022. Off the job, Tom enjoys cycling, hiking, spending time with family and friends, while keeping his own sheep and chicken.
