Hawker Beechcraft Continues Success as Air Ambulance Provider

Hawker Beechcraft Corporation (HBC), which has long been regarded as an industry leader in providing aircraft for special mission applications, currently supplies more than 35 percent of the aircraft used in air ambulance roles worldwide, according to JETNET Evolution. This week, the company announced the addition of a King Air 350ER special mission aircraft to its demonstrator fleet. One feature of the aircraft, which debuted at the Paris Air Show, is an air ambulance configuration of medical sleds and a medical cabinet.

“We are proud of our record as a leader in providing aircraft for air ambulance missions,” said Jay Gibson, vice president, Special Missions. “In the past three years, we have seen resurgence in the number of new aircraft ordered with medical packages installed. Air ambulance operators are dealing with serious medical conditions that require immediate aircraft dispatch. With this kind of requirement, these operators recognize the need for durable, reliable and affordable HBC aircraft.”

The company’s prominence in the medical transport and evacuation role dates back to its early days when a number of Model 17 Staggerwing aircraft were used in the Far East as air ambulances prior to World War II. Today’s King Air turboprops, with their reputation for rugged durability, pressurized cabins, ability to operate into and out of unimproved airfields, and outstanding twin-engine reliability and performance, continue to be the aircraft of choice among air ambulance operators around the globe.

While the King Air 200 and 350 series models are the most popular, all of the King Air and Hawker jets can be fitted with medical packages as air ambulances. Cabin flexibility allows for temporary installations for occasional medevac mercy missions or permanent installations (including medical flooring) for dedicated air ambulance aircraft. All models of the King Air can accommodate two patient sleds with full life support systems and the King Air 350 provides additional space for a third sled equipped with oxygen.

The majority of air ambulance aircraft today are located in the North and South America, Europe, the Middle East and Australia.  

Hawker Beechcraft Corporation is a world-leading manufacturer of business, special mission, light attack and trainer aircraft – designing, marketing and supporting aviation products and services for businesses, governments and individuals worldwide. The company’s headquarters and major facilities are located in Wichita, Kan., with operations in Salina, Kan.; Little Rock, Ark.; Chester, England, U.K.; and Chihuahua, Mexico. The company leads the industry with a global network of more than 100 factory-owned and authorized service centers. For more information, visit www.hawkerbeechcraft.com.