Ontario Invests CAD93M to Expand Ornge Air’s Fleet
The Ontario government has committed CAD93 million (USD64.6 million) to bolster Ornge Air’s capabilities by introducing its first jets and constructing a new hangar at Barrie/Orillia/Lake Simcoe Regional Airport. This significant investment aims to enhance the province’s air ambulance services, ensuring quicker and more efficient medical evacuations across longer distances.
Ornge Air, the province’s dedicated air ambulance service, will expand its fleet by adding two Pilatus PC-24 jets. These advanced aircraft will enable Ornge to cover greater distances without the need for refueling, thereby increasing the efficiency and reach of its emergency medical services. With the introduction of the PC-24s, Ornge Air plans to perform four long-distance transports daily, effectively doubling the number of missions currently handled by its existing fleet.
Presently, Ornge Air operates a fleet comprising 12 helicopters and eight Pilatus PC-12 planes, as recorded in the Canadian aircraft registry. The addition of the PC-24 jets marks a significant upgrade, providing enhanced speed, range, and capacity for critical medical transport missions. These jets are particularly suited for rapid response scenarios, where time and distance are crucial factors in saving lives.
In conjunction with the fleet expansion, the CAD93 million investment includes the construction of a new hangar at Barrie/Orillia/Lake Simcoe Regional Airport. This state-of-the-art facility will support the maintenance and operation of the new jets, ensuring that Ornge Air can maintain high standards of safety and reliability. The new hangar will also provide additional space for aircraft storage and servicing, facilitating the smooth integration of the PC-24s into the existing fleet.
This latest investment builds on a previous CAD118 million (USD82 million) commitment announced in 2023, which aimed to expand Ornge’s fixed-wing fleet to 12 aircraft. The 2023 investment included the replacement of the existing eight fixed-wing planes and the purchase of a larger hangar in Sudbury to accommodate the expanded fleet. Together, these investments reflect the Ontario government’s ongoing dedication to strengthening the province’s emergency medical services infrastructure.
Ornge Air’s enhanced fleet will significantly improve the province’s ability to respond to medical emergencies, especially in remote and underserved areas. The PC-24 jets are equipped with advanced medical facilities, allowing for the transport of critically ill patients with greater comfort and safety. Additionally, the increased number of daily missions will reduce response times, ensuring that patients receive timely medical attention.
Vanessa Hudson, CEO of Ornge Air, expressed her enthusiasm about the investment, stating, “This funding will enable us to provide even better care to Ontarians in need of emergency medical transport. The addition of the PC-24 jets and the new hangar will enhance our operational capabilities, allowing us to reach patients more quickly and efficiently.”
The Ontario government’s investment underscores the importance of reliable and efficient air ambulance services in ensuring public health and safety. By expanding Ornge Air’s fleet and upgrading its facilities, the province is taking proactive steps to enhance its emergency response infrastructure, ultimately saving more lives and improving health outcomes for its residents.
As Ornge Air integrates the new PC-24 jets into its operations, the agency is poised to set new standards in emergency medical transport. The combination of advanced aircraft and modern facilities will position Ornge Air as a leading provider of air ambulance services, capable of meeting the evolving needs of Ontario’s population.
The Ontario government’s CAD93 million investment in Ornge Air represents a significant advancement in the province’s emergency medical services. By expanding the fleet with two PC-24 jets and building a new hangar, Ornge Air is better equipped to deliver rapid, reliable, and high-quality medical transport services across Ontario, ensuring that critical care reaches those in need swiftly and effectively.
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Sources: AirGuide Business airguide.info, bing.com, ch-aviation.com