Global Medical Response expands IFR-capable fleet with Bell 407GXi order

Global Medical Response (GMR) has ordered additional Bell 407GXi helicopters equipped for instrument flight rules (IFR) operations, as the US emergency medical services provider seeks to strengthen its air ambulance fleet and improve operational flexibility in adverse weather.

Announced at the Air Medical Transport Conference (AMTC) in Fort Worth, Texas, on 28 October, the agreement will add to GMR’s existing fleet of more than 170 Bell helicopters used for emergency medical missions nationwide.

The new aircraft are intended to support helicopter air ambulance operations serving both metropolitan areas and rural communities, where distance and limited access to specialist healthcare can complicate emergency patient transport.

GMR said increasing the number of IFR-capable aircraft would provide crews with greater flexibility when weather conditions restrict visual flight operations, subject to applicable operating requirements and limitations.

Ted Van Horne, President and Chief Operating Officer of GMR, said: “By increasing our IFR-capable fleet, we are extending our ability to reach more patients, serve more communities, and provide dependable access to lifesaving care when weather or distance might otherwise limit our response.”

The Bell 407GXi features the Garmin G1000H NXi integrated avionics suite, providing flight crews with navigation and situational awareness capabilities. Its cabin configuration and wide-access doors are designed to accommodate medical equipment and facilitate patient loading and unloading.

GMR operates an extensive network of helicopter and ground ambulance services across the USA, including emergency responses and critical care transfers.

Further reading: Global Medical Response previously took delivery of a Bell 407GXi as part of a wider fleet expansion agreement aimed at improving access to emergency medical care across the USA.