UK-based Capital Air Ambulance, the aeromedical brand of Rigby Group's aviation division, is now offering global medical and repatriation flights after adding a Learjet 45 to its AOC with worldwide coverage. The aircraft has been part of Capital's fleet since the summer of 2016 and has already completed flights to India and the UAE.

“The addition of the Learjet 45 to our fleet, and the global reach that it affords us, represents a hugely significant milestone for Capital Air Ambulance and our strategy for expansion,” says accountable manager Lisa Humphries. “With five aircraft now in active service from two UK bases, a highly trained staff of medical personnel and unique status as Britain's only Eurami accredited operator, we are positioned to provide a level of high quality, cost-effective aeromedical services few can rival.”

The company's medical department has now recruited and trained over 100 specialist flight nurses and doctors under the guidance of medical director Terry Martin. This represents an increase in crew numbers of more than 40 per cent since the middle of 2016.

With its fleet based at Exeter and Coventry airports, Capital provides rapid response medical repatriation services round-the-clock using its own aircraft. It has been repatriating British citizens for three decades.

Since 2014 the company has been part of the Rigby Group aviation division, a trusted flying partner to the Royal Navy and experienced SAR service provider which, through its British International Helicopters subsidiary, has several decades of experience serving the defence, offshore and SAR sectors. It unveiled plans for significant expansion into the European market in July 2016.

Rigby director Paul Southall comments: “In little more than six months since announcing its growth strategy, Capital has once again performed beyond expectations. It has not only recorded a marked increase in flights across Europe and surpassed targets for specialist crew recruitment, but has also extended its reach to offer worldwide services.

“It has long been our belief that there is a significant opportunity for a UK operator to mount a serious challenge to Europe's established aeromedical players, and Capital's continued growth only serves to demonstrate that. There is still much more to be achieved, and we look forward to continuing this success story in the years ahead.”