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As a leader in air medical transport across Quebec, Airmedic continues to grow thanks to the purchase of three new fully equipped EC145e helicopters. The company will rely on the expertise of Airbus, a global leader in aeronautics, and the know-how of Metro Aviation, who will be in charge of the aircraft’s interior configuration for medical emergency services. Above all, the close to $30 million investment will enable Airmedic to deploy aircraft that have been tailored for air medical transport, known for their versatility and reliability, to support lifesaving missions throughout Quebec.
“We have always been striving to set the standards of our industry, to build a culture of excellence and to capitalize on the most advanced equipment and technologies. Today, we are improving on an already highly performing aircraft fleet with the world’s best aircraft in order to provide better coverage of the territory, even more strategic dispatching and enhanced services to our clients”, said Sophie Larochelle, executive vice-president of Airmedic.
“Thanks to the delivery of these Airbus twin-engine EC145e’s, Airmedic will have the additional support required to assist it highly skilled team in providing safe, rapid and extremely specialized emergency medical transport for the critically ill and injured,” said Romain Trapp, president of Airbus Helicopters Canada. “The EC145 family of aircraft has built a reputation as the most proven solution for emergency medical services worldwide. We are very proud of this new partnership and we look forward to supporting the important mission of Airmedic, to provide vital lifesaving services to the residents of Quebec.”
Prior to delivery of the aircraft, Metro Aviation ensured the training of Airmedic pilots and instructors thanks to its flight simulator, which is unique worldwide.
Airmedic has carefully chosen the EC145e helicopters, which will bring Airmedic’s total number of aircraft entirely dedicated to emergency medical services to nine. Clearly suited to Quebec’s conditions, these aircraft particularly stand out for their great flight autonomy that enables them to travel a longer distance without refueling, hence reducing response times. They are recognized for their safety and their larger cabin space that can accommodate two patients at the same time and seat up to four passengers, enabling the medical personnel to provide high-quality care.
Aircraft will be used for both for pre-hospital and inter hospital transport. Their commissioning is scheduled in the next weeks. This major investment is in addition to the $55 million already injected in assets and equipment since 2012.
“We are pleased to participate in the financing of our clients’ projects in the crucial phases of their development. Airmedic continues its impressive trajectory and is investing to further professionalize its practice, increase its efficiency and its deployment, and enhance services to its clientele of individuals, corporate clients and health facilities,” said Hugo Bisaillon, assistant vice-president, Business Development at the Business Development Bank of Canada.
