Air medical transfer service out to tender

The island’s air medical transport service is currently undergoing a new contracting phase, after the Ministry of Health fined the old provider, Eliance, more than €3 million following alleged breaches of contract. The main change in contracting terms is that this second aircraft is now a requirement to be met by the companies that opt ​​for the tender, while with the previous contract this aircraft was incorporated after the award and at the request of the Government. Under previous contracts, a second fixed-wing aircraft was based on the larger island of Mallorca nearby, and could be seconded to respond to medical emergencies on Menorca and other nearby islands. Now, however, Mallorca is served by one medical helicopter.

Eliance began operating the air medical transfer service in December 2018, with a contract period of four years plus an option for a two-year extension. However, due to repeated violations of the contract terms, including disputes with pilots, the contract has been terminated and the tender put out to the market once more. Eliance is now competing with well-known air medical and search and rescue operator Babcock Aviation for the contract.