Rapid response and repatriation in North America

You have been with Airmedic for over 11 years. Can you tell us about the business?

Airmedic is a specialised air medical transport service providing rapid response and repatriation for patients in need of medical care. Our operations span across North America and beyond, offering both emergency or scheduled air ambulance services and medical escort solutions. We serve a diverse clientele, including government agencies, healthcare institutions, insurance providers, and private individuals. With a highly trained medical team and a dedicated fleet, we ensure safe, efficient, and compassionate care for patients during transport.

The Pilatus PC-12 is the backbone of our operations due to its versatility, efficiency, and reliability

Airmedic has an impressive Pilatus PC-12 fleet – talk us through your aircraft and why you have chosen the fleet you have.

The Pilatus PC-12 is the backbone of our operations due to its versatility, efficiency, and reliability. This aircraft is well suited for medical evacuations, offering a spacious cabin and huge cargo door that allows for full medical configurations, including advanced life support equipment. Its short takeoff and landing capabilities enable us to access remote locations that larger jets cannot reach, making it ideal for serving patients in remote and underserved areas. We operate six Pilatus PC-12 NG with state-of-the-art technology and safety features, allowing us to get access safely to remote communities and patients without compromising on aircraft quality.

Costs have soared in the industry over the past few years – has this affected why you have chosen certain aircraft, and how efficient is the fleet?

Rising costs in the industry have made affordability a key factor for clients seeking medical transport. The Pilatus PC-12 offers a cost-effective solution due to its exceptional fuel efficiency, reducing overall transport expenses compared to larger jets. Its ability to cover long distances without excessive fuel consumption means we can reach most US and Canada locations, making urgent medical repatriation more financially accessible.

The PC-12’s lower operating costs also allow us to offer competitive pricing without compromising the quality of medical care on board. By keeping transport costs manageable, we help more patients access rapid, professional air medical services when they need them most.

You are based in Quebec, Canada, and cover a vast area, some of which is very remote. How does the fleet cope with such terrain?

The Pilatus PC-12 is ideal for these conditions, with its ability to land at smaller airports closer to hospitals or patient locations, reducing ground transport time for faster transfers – critical in medical emergencies. The PC-12 can land on unpaved runways such as gravel, dirt and compacted snow, making this aircraft very versatile. It can fly up to an altitude of 30,000 feet and can deliver sea-level pressurisation by lowering its altitude.

Additionally, our fleet plays a key role in wing-to-wing transfers, where international providers rely on us to complete transport that their aircraft cannot efficiently reach or that would be too costly for them to operate. This ensures patients receive uninterrupted medical transport, even from the most remote locations. This allows us and our clients/partners to be more creative and connect with our own air ambulance jets (Learjet 45XR) or other providers and even with a commercial flight from a major airline. No need for long ambulance rides; we can maximise the patient comfort and care and connect the patient from or to remote locations at small airports.