Press Release

Issued by .

September 27, 2012

Today marks the beginning of a new contract for Farnborough-based Learjet specialist Manhattan Jets to operate a Learjet 45 air ambulance on behalf of one of Europe's leading air ambulance providers, CEGA.

The Learjet, newly acquired by CEGA, is expected to benefit clients through its capacity to carry not just patients and medical crews, but also an accompanying relative or employer. Its generous interior also makes it suitable for the most complex critical care cases, whilst its auxiliary power unit provides a climate controlled cabin, even on the ground.

The new jet, which extends CEGA's international reach, will join the Bournemouth-based company's fleet of three Beech King Air 200 aircraft providing air ambulance and repatriation services.

"This significant investment has been made to meet the growing demand for longer distance critical care transfers, particularly from emerging and remote destinations back to Europe," says Graham Ponsford CEGA Group chief executive.

"Our combined fleet now enables us to offer clients optimum air transfer capabilities, within and well beyond Europe; with seamless medical care and communication enhanced by our integrated assistance operation."

As an aircraft owner itself (Learjet 40XR and 45XR) Manhattan Jets is well placed to operate CEGA's new air ambulance.

"We directly employ our own Learjet 40XR/45XR rated pilots and are responsible for training the CEGA crew who will fly the new air ambulance. All crew undergo an individual focused training process and rigorous crew selection guidelines in line with Manhattan Jets' bespoke training mandate, ensuring full compliance with standard operating regulations. CEGA are in the business of saving lives and we are delighted to play a part in this important work," says Steve Westlake – Managing Director Manhattan Jets.

CEGA's new aircraft has been added to Manhattan Jets' AOC licence. The company will provide an operational support contract – which means Manhattan Jets is responsible for operating the aircraft, selection and training of crew and all aspects to do with flight operations.

Westlake continued: "CEGA has a massive reputation both in aviation and medical repatriation, the company is the best at what it does having flown its own planes for almost 40 years. Both we and CEGA take a very practical approach to doing things properly. This is a great opportunity for us to bring another aircraft under our expertise and undertake missions that are different to our usual VIP charter."

CEGA's investment in the Learjet 45 supports its recent launch of a global private repatriation division; created to serve individuals in need overseas who either do not have travel insurance or find that their policy does not cover them.