Luxembourg-based operator European Air Ambulance (EAA) has taken delivery of a second Bombardier Challenger 605. The aircraft bears the colours of EAA and will commence operations imminently.

The CL605 features two advanced Spectrum Aeromed intensive care units and a third logistical stretcher. In line with European Air Ambulance standards, it is fitted with the latest medical equipment available across the entire fleet.

The addition of the jet increases EAA’s fleet to five aircraft: it now comprises two Challenger 605s and three Learjet 45XRs, all of which are dedicated exclusively to air ambulance and organ transportation flights.

EAA is part of the Luxembourg Air Rescue Group, a non-profit organisation with 190 employees, dedicated to saving lives and rescuing people in medical distress. In addition to the five ambulance aircraft, the group operates seven rescue helicopters comprising five MD902s and two Airbus H145 D3s.

“In 2021, after an extensive search to identify the most suitable aircraft for long-range ambulance flights, we acquired our first Bombardier Challenger 605,” comments business development manager Tom Hienckes. “It stood out as the ideal choice in terms of operation, maintenance, and cabin suitability. The aircraft is easily adaptable for ambulance flights and the modification process was straightforward. While we considered several other options, the Bombardier Challenger 605 ultimately proved to be the best fit for our needs.

“Since acquiring the aircraft, it has consistently met our expectations, which is why we decided to add a second aircraft to our fleet. We have been highly satisfied with its performance and the support we have received has been excellent. Additionally, there has been significant demand from our clients for this aircraft type, prompting us to expand our long-range air ambulance services at their request. The first CL605 exceeded our expectations, and this success reinforced our decision to invest in a second one.

EAA's Learjets are busy most of the time too, but it is focusing on the Challenger for long range air ambulance flights, so between Europe and North America, South America, Asia and Africa. The Learjets fly around Europe on shorter missions.

“The three Learjet 45XRs are reliable work-horses for our air ambulance flights,” continues Hienckes. “While the Challengers are dedicated to long-range air ambulance missions, the Learjets handle shorter missions within Europe, extending to North Africa or sometimes to the Middle East.

“With the addition of the second Bombardier Challenger 605, we are satisfied with our current five aircraft and plan to focus on optimising our operations. With two Challengers and three Learjets, we believe we have a well-rounded offering that will likely remain stable for the next few years. All our aircraft are currently operating at full capacity during the summer season.”