EAA receives Bombardier Challenger 605
European Air Ambulance (EAA) has announced a major new investment in its fleet – with the purchase of a larger, long-range medical aircraft
The Bombardier Challenger 605 will be based at EAA’s state-of-the-art headquarters at Luxembourg Airport, and will become operational for dedicated air ambulance use this summer.
“At EAA, we are always looking for ways to enhance the services we offer – so we are very proud to announce the introduction of the CL-605 to our fleet,” said Director of Sales & Marketing Patrick Schomaker. “Our first long-range option, it will give us greater operational capabilities, in line with our mission to provide safe, quick and cost-effective medical repatriation 24/7/365 worldwide.”
EAA – a brand of Luxembourg Air Ambulance – is an expert in international air ambulance repatriation, with more than three decades of experience in aeromedical transport. It already operates a fleet of four Learjet 45XRs dedicated to air ambulance missions, but decided there was a need to expand its capabilities via a longer-range aircraft with a larger cabin.
The range of the Challenger means most missions will be flown without fuel stops, saving time and expense on refuelling breaks or overnight layovers – a significant advantage with so many differing Covid-19 travel restrictions and protocols across borders.
Greater flexibility with a larger cabin
The larger cabin, meanwhile, will offer greater flexibility and configuration options, and ultimately allow EAA to carry more patients. The additional space will also allow more specialised medical equipment to be taken on missions, as well as additional accompanying passengers, and more luggage.
“Put simply, we will be able to react quicker, launch missions sooner, and bring patients home faster,” added Schomaker. “We are renowned for the standard of our service and the quality of our care – but we never rest on our successes; we’re always looking to the future and assessing what more we can do to provide the best and most cost-effective services to clients, customers and patients.”
Longer-range flight options globally
The Challenger will be available starting summer 2021 for use by all existing and potential EAA clients around the world and will offer significant advantages to those who specifically need longer-range flight options and those operating globally.
Assistance companies transporting Covid-19 patients will be able to make use of the aircraft, with all EAA’s Covid-secure measures, including isolation units. It will also be available to VIP patients who need room to accommodate their support personnel or who simply want a more spacious aircraft.
Last year, EAA introduced new streamlined procedures to deal with the transportation of Covid-19 patients.