Faced with a scenario where only three per cent of the Brazilian turbine fleet is dedicated to aeromedical rescue, specialists from the sector gathered at the sixth edition of the Wings Forum to discuss the impact of this in Brazil and possible improvements for the next few years. The meeting took place in São Paulo and brought as its theme A New Model of Aeromedical Operation.

The event, organised by Edições Rota Cultural and ASAS magazine, was sponsored by Airbus/Helibras and was attended by members of the aviation, health and public power arenas, sector associations, air taxi operatos and opinion formers. The content focused on the great potential and repressed demand in the sector, while recognising that there are operators able to fulfill this mission within the country.

“Today the State of São Paulo has, on average, one dedicated aeromedical helicopter for every 14 million inhabitants, while the entire German territory, which has almost double the area and population, has a dedicated aircraft for every one million,” explains Frédéric Bruder, CEO of the rescue area of ​​ADAC (Automobile Club of Germany).

“The Brazilian aeromedical market is in the development phase and we, from Airbus and Helibras, are here to offer our support in terms of aircraft, services and expertise,” adds Airbus Helicopters aeromedical and governmental segment specialist Ralph Setz. “80 per cent of the helicopters dedicated to aeromedical activity in Brazil are manufactured by Airbus and most are operated by public agencies, unlike in some countries where the aeromedical system is more mature. On the other hand, we see a growing interest from private companies in entering this segment.”