British Columbia to replace fixed-wing air ambulances

The government of British Columbia (BC) has announced that it is in the process of acquiring a fleet of 12 Beechcraft King Air 360CHW fixed-wing air ambulances for use by its BC Emergency Health Services (BCEHS) program.

The fleet comprises nine primary aircraft, as well as three backup aircraft. The first plane entered operation on 1 May, the same day that BCEHS’s new fixed-wing aviation provider Carson Air took over operations.

The new aircraft are expected to offer a number of improvements over those they are replacing, such as the ability to land on gravel runways; power stretcher compatibility; a better interior layout and design; and improved capabilities for specialized care.

The planes will be used for both emergency response and inter-facility transfers. They will be stationed at BCEHS’s current fixed-wing bases – with three each in Vancouver and Kelowna, two in Prince George, and one in Fort St John.

“Upgrading BC’s fleet with next-generation airplanes means patients will have improved comfort and care during transport, while paramedics benefit from consistent features and layout across the fleet,” said Adrian Dix, BC Minister of Health.

The government of BC previously awarded a contract to Ascent Helicopters for the supply of six air ambulance helicopters for use by BCEHS in May 2023.