Bombardier Aerospace is to install the MedLink aviation medical support system on board all its new Learjet aircraft, so claiming to be the first business aircraft manufacturer to equip light and midsize jet owners and operators with the capabilities required to respond to in-flight medical issues.

Developed by MedAire, Inc., the MedLink system will be offered – at no additional cost to operators – as a standard feature on all Bombardier Learjet 31A, 45, and 60 aircraft models, purchased after July 1, 2001.

The MedLink aviation support services system will enable crew members to consult directly with MedLink’s board-certified emergency physicians for advice on handling any type of medical incident that might occur in-flight.

The service also includes the coordination of ground-based medical response and patient monitoring.

“Bombardier has taken a significant step by bringing today’s in-flight care into the light and mid-size business jet market,” said Joan Sullivan Garrett, president and ceo of MedAire.

“This speaks to its customer commitment while illustrating its understanding that medical emergencies can occur anywhere, on the ground or in the air, either on board a commercial jet or on a light aircraft.

“Our physicians deal with more than 1,000 in-flight medical incidents every month.”