Turkey's air ambulance operator Redstar Aviation is conducting a detailed study into how best to renew its helicopter fleet. "We also plan to add the right fixed-wing aircraft to our fleet at the right time," says marketing executive Emre Dursun. The current fleet comprises a BAE Jetstream 32 EP, four MI-2s and a Bolkow 105.

"While our core business is providing air ambulance services to our national and international customers, we also specialise in aerial photography and filming as well as air taxi services," says Dursun. "Therefore the aircraft we purchase must be multi-functional with reasonable operational costs."

Redstar Aviation's coverage spans Turkey, the Balkans, Caucasus, mid-Asia and the Middle East stretching as far as Iraq and Afghanistan. "The aviation sector is growing rapidly in Turkey," Dursun adds. "We are involved in many international projects that are based in Turkey. There are advanced medical centres which make Turkey an ideal destination for those needing treatment. The increasing need for air ambulance services in the region give Redstar Aviation very good opportunities to expand business."

Redstar Aviation tends to acquire pre-owned aircraft because they are more readily available than new. "The waiting time involved in obtaining new aircraft is usually too lengthy for our purposes," says Dursun.

The company is part of a group which was established in 1986. "We started operating the first fully-equipped air ambulance in Turkey - a King Air 200 - in 1988," he says. The company's larger capability was expanded with the acquisition of four helicopters in 1992. Redstar Aviation now offers a 24- hour service every day.

Dursun says: "Redstar is a big and growing company with ongoing projects. For this reason we always have vacancies. If Redstar is going to hire a pilot or a mechanic the key assets are experience and knowledge. Our pilots almost always have over 5,000 hours flying experience and mechanics have 20 years in the field."

Workers recruited must adapt to Redstar's rules and procedures which are based on international requirements. "Safety is our No.1 priority," Dursun stresses, "and we take training very seriously."

The growth of the European Union is proving an important catalyst in the expansion of private air charter in Turkey. Analysts report that closer ties with the EU, and a rising international demand for more quality vip facilities, is already speeding the development of FBO and handling facilities. Redstar Aviation says Turkey has been modernising and expanding its economy rapidly. "This expansion will certainly continue to lead to more business for fixed wing and helicopter charter."