The New South Wales Ambulance aeromedical operations unit has brought its first PC-24 into service. The unit decided to purchase two PC-24s in 2021, to further increase its operational capabilities, and will use them to provide aeromedical services over an area of approximately 800,000 square kilometres. It is anticipated that the Super Versatile Jet will conduct around 800 flights, transferring approximately 6,500 patients, during its first year of service.

"The PC-24 increases the capability of our aeromedical operations and is ideal for the long distances we have to cover in Australia. It will be a great asset to our clinical staff and patients," says NSW Ambulance commissioner Dr Dominic Morgan. "Our dedicated team of flight nurses, doctors and pilots already provide high-level clinical care for all patients throughout NSW. That level of care will be enhanced thanks to the increased range, speed and optimised internal medical fit-out of these aircraft. These two new jets will complement the existing five Beechcraft King Air 350Cs in the NSW Ambulance fleet."

The PC-24s will be operated and maintained by Pel-Air as part of a 10 year contract with NSW Ambulance. Pel-Air chairman, the Hon John Sharp AM says: "Pel-Air congratulates NSW Ambulance for making this significant visionary investment in aerial emergency medical response. This aircraft is a game changer for aeromedical services in a state as vast as NSW, and will help NSW Ambulance save lives."

Aerolite in Switzerland and Total Aerospace Solutions in Sydney have been contracted to complete the medical fit out of the aircraft.

The PC-24 air ambulance jet has a patient loading door. Patients can be loaded and unloaded by means of an electrically powered loading device or alternatively with a ramp.

"The PC-24 is no stranger to the aeromedical space; it's a highly sought after platform for many of the top aeromedical organisations around the world," says Pilatus Australia CEO Sebastian Lip. "Like the aircraft, the aeromedical configuration has proven itself in some of the harshest operating conditions anywhere. We're extremely proud that the New South Wales Ambulance has chosen our aircraft to save lives and serve its community."

"These two new jets are equipped with the latest technology and medical equipment to better serve our patients, flight nurses, doctors and pilots," says Minister for Health Ryan Park. "These jets can fly faster and further without the need for refuelling, and they will be an invaluable resource for communities in regional, rural and remote NSW. Whether responding to a motor vehicle accident or transferring a critically ill patient from a regional hospital to a tertiary health facility, these PC-24 aircraft will be a major boost for the health of regional and remote communities throughout NSW. NSW Ambulance is the first state government ambulance service in Australia to specifically design the PC-24 interior and patient fit-out for aeromedical operations."

Member for Heffron Minister Ron Hoenig joined Minister Park at Sydney airport to take a first look at the new aircraft. "NSW Ambulance has an incredible aeromedical history and has been operating one of its bases out of Kingsford Smith for more than 55 years," he says. "I am sure these new planes will make a welcome addition to operations based out of Mascot when they enter service."

Both PC-24s aircraft will be ready to treat and transport patients by mid-2024.