Australian aeromedical service LifeFlight has responded to an increase in international demand by opening a new air ambulance jet base in Singapore. “The expansion into Singapore is a big success for the jet air ambulance fleet and for LifeFlight,” states coordination centre executive manager Peter Elliott. “The new base will increase our reach for these services across the South Pacific and Asian regions, connecting with our Singapore base through to the Middle East and beyond.”

The expansion was made possible after LifeFlight Australia was awarded a contract for the provision of aeromedical services for a large multi-national corporation working on projects throughout Asia. “We are proud to be providing these essential, world-class health services to clients and partners in the Asia Pacific,” adds LifeFlight Australia CEO Ashley van de Velde.

LifeFlight air ambulance jets will be able to fly to most countries in the region and airlift injured or ill employees back to their country of origin without the need for technical stops in other countries. “Our partners recognised the need for this type of aeromedical response ability in the region and worked with the aviation and medical professionals here at LifeFlight to tailor capabilities to suit the predicted needs of the organisation into the future,” continues van de Velde.

LifeFlight's air ambulance jet fleet based in Queensland, Australia, has come to the aid of thousands of patients locally, nationally and internationally since its first fixed wing airlift in 2004. Now, even more people will be helped, thanks to the new aeromedical base, which officially began operations out of Singapore in recent weeks. As an approved service provider, LifeFlight has also been awarded an ad hoc contract with another international client to support their extensive operations and staff in countries within the region.

Two of LifeFlight's Challenger 604 aircraft will be permanently based overseas and will also be available for other missions.

“If you're overseas and are injured or unwell, your travel insurance provider may nominate one of the LifeFlight air ambulance jets to bring you home,” notes Elliott. The jets will be crewed with a captain and first officer, with the ability to take a third crew member for longer flights, along with a critical care doctor and flight nurse.

LifeFlight had previously established itself in Singapore from early 2017 to 2018, but due demand within Australia was forced to temporarily rein in its international service, closing the base but still performing overseas missions from its Australian facilities.

“In 2017, our air ambulance fleet consisted of two Learjet 45 aircraft and one Challenger 604,” Elliot continues. However, three new Challenger 604 jets joined the fleet earlier this year. “With our recent acquisition of the additional Challenger 604 aircraft, it has enabled us to return to Singapore and also continue to provide the support to our traditional Queensland and South Pacific region.”

Back on home soil, LifeFlight Australia will continue its vital work throughout Queensland, transferring patients, many of whom are critically ill or injured, to major centres where they can access expertise that may not be available in smaller communities. The service remains the country's longest range aeromedical aircraft available for immediate emergency deployment.

“Our air ambulances will always be there for Queenslanders to get them to higher levels of health care, when they need it most,” Elliott concludes.