AirMed to Replace Hawker 800s with Challenger 605s
AirMed International (MEJ, Birmingham, AL) has announced plans to replace its existing fleet of Hawker 800 aircraft with Bombardier Business Aircraft Challenger 605s by 2025. Denise Treadwell, the company’s president, revealed the strategic move in an interview with the International Travel & Health Insurance Journal. Currently, AirMed operates three Hawker 800-series aircraft, including one BAe-125-800(SP) and two Hawker 800XPi(2)s.
The switch to Challenger 605 aircraft is part of AirMed’s broader strategy to enhance its air ambulance services. Treadwell emphasized that the Challenger 605 offers a larger airframe with a 20% increase in operational range. This increase in range will reduce the number of stops needed during missions and accelerate overall mission completion times, improving the efficiency of patient transport services.
Aerolite, a leader in aeromedical aircraft interior design, will complete the interiors of the new Challenger 605s. Aerolite specializes in creating custom aeromedical configurations for both fixed-wing aircraft and helicopters, ensuring that the aircraft are equipped to meet the medical needs of patients during transport.
In addition to the fleet upgrade, AirMed International is expanding its operational reach. Treadwell confirmed that the company plans to add Singapore and Dubai as new locations for providing medical air transport services. These new bases will enable AirMed International to offer services to a broader range of patients based on their medical requirements, enhancing the airline’s global footprint.
AirMed International, a part of Global Medical Response (GMR) since 2018, operates a diverse fleet under its Part 135 certificate. Along with its three Hawker 800 aircraft, the company also operates one Beechjet 400A, one Citation Bravo, one Hawker 400XP, and two King Air aircraft—one B200 and one C90B. This variety of aircraft enables AirMed to provide flexible and reliable medical transport services across various regions.
Global Medical Response, the parent company of AirMed International, includes several other certified operators within its network. These include Air Evac EMS, Eagle Air Med, Guardian Flight, Med-Trans Air Medical Transport, and REACH Air Medical Services. Together, these operators manage a fleet of 90 fixed-wing aircraft and 383 helicopters, ensuring that the group can offer comprehensive emergency and medical transport services across a vast service area.
The planned fleet upgrade to the Challenger 605 is a key component of AirMed’s strategy to remain at the forefront of the air ambulance industry. With improved range, faster mission times, and expanded operational bases, the airline is poised to deliver enhanced service to patients requiring urgent medical transport across the globe.
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Sources: AirGuide Business airguide.info, bing.com, ch-aviation.com