Finland’s Jetflite Ltd/Euro-Flite Air Ambulance has equipped a Challenger 604 jet for long-distance ambulance flight use. The aircraft has been fitted with two LifePort stretcher systems and a loading pallet designed specifically for the aircraft to facilitate transferring patients on and off the plane. The system is JAR certified by the Finnish CAA.

Jetflite Ltd/Euro-Flite Air Ambulance believes the Challenger 604 will substantially increase demand for long-distance ambulance flights in the future. An example of such demand was experienced only recently, when the company evac-uated from Islamabad via Frankfurt to Florida a family of four who had been seriously injured in a terrorist attack. Similar needs, it says, may arise at any time in today’s turbulent world, particularly in the politically unstable region of Central Asia.

The Challenger 604 provides space for two patients and medical staff (doctor and nurse) and seating for four additional patients or companions. The aircraft is equipped with intensive care equipment as well as a full-service incubator.

A spokesman said: “The Challenger 604 represents a considerable improvement. Due to the plane’s greater range and multi-flight crew arrangements, it is now possible to fly for 16 hours with one crew set. This in turn enables transport covering 6,000 to 7,000 nautical miles with only one fuel stop: flights from anywhere in Russia and Asia to Europe, or from Europe to anywhere in Northern America.

“Furthermore, the technical features of the aircraft enable access to airfields at high and hot conditions in the tropics or in Arctic Area C-1 regions.”

Annually, the company carries out 200 to 250 ambulance flights, which translates into 500 to 600

flight hours. Most of the flights involve patient transport from the former Soviet Union and Central

Asia to Scandinavia and elsewhere in Europe.

Prior to the introduction of the Challenger 604, most ambulance flights were operated with the company’s Falcon 20F-5 aeroplanes. However, operations especially over longer distances were limited by restrictions on crew duty hours and the range of the plane.

Based at Helsinki International Airport, the company says it has an excellent gateway location between East and West.