Gama Aviation Expands Medevac Fleet

New King Air 360C Acquisition

Gama Aviation (GMA), based in Farnborough, has bolstered its medevac operations by ordering three Beech King Air 360C turboprops from Textron Aviation. These aircraft, equipped with cargo doors, are intended for a newly awarded ten-year air ambulance contract with the Scottish Ambulance Service. The King Air 360Cs are expected to be delivered in 2025.

Upgrades and Modifications

The new aircraft will undergo extensive modifications at Gama Aviation’s Glasgow International and Bournemouth facilities. These upgrades will include advanced medical equipment, offering enhanced capabilities over the current fleet. The modifications will also incorporate updated data communications and ground power units to meet the evolving operational requirements.

Contract and Operational Details

The contract, set to commence in late 2026, will utilize two of the King Air 360Cs for primary air ambulance duties, with the third aircraft serving as a backup. Additionally, Gama Aviation will deploy two newly acquired H145 D3 Airbus Helicopters under this contract. These helicopters will be stationed at Glasgow, Aberdeen Dyce, and Inverness to support the expanded medevac operations.

CEO’s Perspective

Marwan Khalek, CEO of Gama Aviation Group, commented on the significance of the contract, saying, “This has always been a strategically important contract for us, and we are immensely proud and delighted to have been chosen again for this critical task.”

Current Fleet and Interim Measures

Gama Aviation currently operates two King Air 300Cs and two H145 D2s for the Scottish Ambulance Service. Although the current contract expired on May 31, 2024, Gama Aviation is in discussions with the authorities to extend it on an interim basis until the new contract starts in 2026.

Broader Fleet and Services

In addition to its air ambulance operations, Gama Aviation’s UK-registered fleet includes a Bombardier Challenger 604, a G280, a Cessna Citation Mustang, seven B200s, four AW139s, eight AW169s, and eight H145s. The company also manages aircraft on private registers and provides air ambulance services for Wales Air Ambulance, Air Ambulance Kent Surrey Sussex, Magpas Air Ambulance, and Dorset and Somerset Air Ambulance. Scotland’s air ambulance service remains the only wholly publicly-funded service in the UK, delivering critical medevac and air ambulance support to remote communities.

Sources: AirGuide Business airguide.info, bing.com, ch-aviation.com