Airmedic Unveils Innovative Medical Cabin for Global Air Ambulance Operations
Airmedic Expands Global Reach with New Medical Cabin
Airmedic, a renowned name in specialized air medical transport, has taken a significant step forward by unveiling a newly designed medical cabin for its Bombardier Learjet 45XR aircraft. This innovative cabin is now operational on the first aircraft in the fleet, setting new benchmarks for intensive healthcare during air transport.
Enhancing Patient Care in the Air
The newly developed permanent medical environment aims to optimize patient transportation. Drawing from practical experiences, Airmedic has created a clinical space that not only improves medical personnel's access to essential equipment but also ensures that crucial tools are readily available. As a result, flight crews can perform complex medical transports more precisely, efficiently, and comfortably.
Louis-Philippe Loiselle Fortier, Vice President of Strategic Initiatives and Business Development, stated, “This investment reflects our commitment to excellence in medical care on board. By analyzing actual operational workflows, we have developed a cabin that eliminates barriers, enhances continuity of medical care, and provides both patients and their families with a safer, more comfortable, and better-controlled environment during both short and long-distance repatriation flights.”
Major Innovations for Intensive Transport
The upgraded cabin boasts a state-of-the-art LifePort stretcher system, a hygienic composite side wall clad in stainless steel for durability, and a custom-made medication cabinet that securely stores essential equipment for immediate access. Specialized ceiling tracks allow medical devices such as defibrillator monitors, transport ventilators, and infusion pumps to be mounted above the care area, keeping them ergonomically within reach of the patient. Enhanced cargo space facilitates the handling of patients, including those in incubators or with specific needs, while medical-grade surfaces allow for effective decontamination between uses. Additionally, a custom privacy screen ensures the dignity of patients during the flight.
An innovative Skytrac ISAT-200A satellite communication (SATCOM) and flight tracking system further enhances flight coordination by enabling crews to consult with physicians hands-free without interrupting patient care.
Together, these improvements create a structured clinical workspace that fosters decisive action during intensive transports while simultaneously increasing overall patient comfort, dignity, and safety.
Investment in International Patient Repatriation
The configuration of the Learjet 45XR marks the first phase of a comprehensive strategy aimed at modernizing Airmedic's fleet. A second aircraft is scheduled to receive a similar permanent medical installation in the coming months, bringing the total investment for both cabin upgrades to approximately $2 million CAD. These modifications are part of a larger $18 million CAD investment in Airmedic's Bombardier Learjet 45XR fleet, supporting the enhancement of its international medical repatriation program.
“By equipping these aircraft for permanent medical missions, Airmedic reaffirms a clear priority: to invest in reliable clinical environments tailored to the realities of modern air ambulance services while simultaneously raising the standard of care in the air,” added Fortier.
Globally Active with Local Roots
Beyond international repatriation missions, these aircraft are readily available to support communities and Quebec's healthcare network with urgent transfers between hospitals. This local commitment continues to be at the heart of Airmedic's mission, which has expanded its service offerings internationally over the past three years. Airmedic operates a fleet of Pilatus PC-12 NG and Bombardier Learjet 45XR aircraft alongside medical accompaniment services on commercial flights. With its strategically located base in Montreal, a vital transatlantic hub between Europe and the Americas, combined with international EURAMI accreditation, Airmedic connects its Quebec roots with a global presence.
About Airmedic
Airmedic is a Canadian provider of specialized air medical services, focusing on the repatriation of Canadian and international patients while operating across Quebec and internationally. The fleet designated for medical purposes includes six Pilatus PC-12 NG aircraft and two Bombardier Learjet 45XR jets. Airmedic offers round-the-clock coverage and manages all operations effectively. Moreover, Airmedic is EURAMI-accredited for its fixed-wing air operations—an internationally recognized standard reflecting the highest standards in safety, quality, and best practices. Airmedic is part of Dessercom, a non-profit organization focused on pre-hospital emergency transport and non-urgent ground transport in Quebec.
High-resolution photos and videos of the cabin and aircraft are available upon request.