Press Release

The Croatian HEMS is operated by a consortium formed by Spanish operator Eliance Aviation and its Italian and Croatian subsidiaries EliFriulia and EliAdriatik.

Issued by Elifriulia.

April 19, 2024

On April 2, the official opening ceremony of the new Croatian helicopter emergency medical service (HEMS), was held in the city of Rijeka, marking the beginning of a vital service that will save lives and enhance emergency response in Croatia.

The event included a demonstration of a unique combined rescue system, consisting of the collaboration between a speed boat, a helicopter and an ambulance, all working in harmony to ensure the quickest intervention time, an approach tailored to the coastal areas of Croatia.

The Croatian HEMS is operated by the consortium formed by Spanish operator Eliance Aviation and its Itlian and Croatian subsidiaries EliFriulia and EliAdriatik. Last year, in May, it participated in the tender issued by the Croatian Ministry of Health and was awarded the contract for a duration of seven years, which was signed in October. Together, the consortium brings decades of expertise in aviation, medical services and emergency response. Its shared commitment to excellence drives us forward in this important mission.

As of March 30, the service has officially started operations across Croatia from four bases. Zagreb and Osijek, acting as vital hubs for rapid response in the heart of the country, are operated by Eliance with Airbus Helicopters EC135s. Rijeka and Split are to serve the extensive coastline and numerous islands and are operated by Elifriulia with Airbus H145s.

As the service takes flight, the consortium extends its gratitude to all those who supported it on this journey: the dedicated teams, our business partners and the communities it serves. Together, they are writing a new chapter in Croatia's emergency response history.