FAI rent-a-jet has configured one of its seven Global Express aircraft as a dedicated air ambulance, following increasing demand for ultra-long-range ambulance missions. The German special missions operator has completed 10 ultra-long-range air ambulance missions over the past two months alone.

Volker Lemke, Head of FAI’s Air Ambulance Division said: “Over the past year, we have experienced a significant increase in demand for long and ultra-long-range air ambulance business on sorties from Europe, Africa and the Middle East. Equally, we have seen increased demand in the short and medium range repatriation air ambulance business. As a result, we are pleased to commit and dedicate one of our Global Express aircraft to air ambulance, which will enable us to be more agile and mission-ready within minutes.”

Previously, FAI converted the interior of the Global Express and configured it for air ambulance missions on a case-by-case basis. The Global’s non-stop range of 6000nm enables transport of up to three intensive care patients in addition to FAI’s specially trained medical teams.

Earlier in the year FAI was honoured with the Pandemic Response Special Award at the Middle East Annual Aviation Achievement Awards. The firm had one of its busiest years ever in 2020 for its air ambulance fleet due to the pandemic.

During this time, FAI began the roll-out of Covid-19 aeromedical transport capability, the EpiShuttle isolation pod. This gives self-contained oxygen and air ventilation directly to the patient, isolated from the cabin’s airflow.

The 10-strong air ambulance fleet comprising Bombardier Global Express’, Challenger 604s and Learjet 60s is based at FAI´s Headquarters at Albrecht Dürer International Airport in Nuremberg. It is supported by more than 200 full-time staff plus 50 part-time physicians, nurses and paramedics.