Sporting the national colours of Sweden – blue and yellow – the Super Versatile Jet will cut a dash across Swedish skies. Less than a year after the agreement between the Kommunalförbundet Svenskt Ambulansflyg (KSA) and Pilatus was signed, the maiden flight of the first Swedish medevac PC-24 marks a milestone in the program. Despite the disruption caused by the Covid-19 pandemic, Pilatus still managed to meet the tight production schedule. 

As an air ambulance service organisation, KSA will provide medical assistance and access to aeromedical care to everyone living in Sweden. The full KSA fleet will comprise six PC-24s, all aircraft are scheduled for delivery in 2021. 

The maiden flight heralds the start of numerous flight tests to be performed by Pilatus. On completion of these tests, the PC-24s for KSA will be transferred to Aerolite AG, the specialist Swiss company appointed to oversee the installation of the medevac interior. 

The flexibility of the PC-24 opens up a wealth of possibilities for use as a medevac aircraft. The cabin offers sufficient space for three patients plus medical personnel. The PC-24’s large cargo door also facilities speedy loading and unloading of patients. All these advantages, combined with the PC-24’s STOL credentials, make it a fit aircraft for air ambulance missions. After the Royal Flying Doctor Service of Australia and the US North Slope Borough Search and Rescue Department, KSA is the third organisation to deploy the PC-24 as a medevac aircraft.