Calgary-based STARS Air Ambulance has selected SkyTrac Push-to-Talk with real-time in-flight data transfer capability for its Airbus H145 fleet renewal programme. The lightweight SkyTrac hardware is designed to enable fast and reliable group-talk, simultaneous uninterrupted flight tracking and onboard satellite and cellular data transfer capabilities.

The package supports real-time in-flight data streaming from any connected device in the cabin or cockpit, including mobile devices and tablets. The system also streamlines the download process for flight data monitoring and other flight logs to save time and reduce manual labour post flight.

“Our H145 fleet renewal programme is about selecting the latest technology to deliver the most advanced life-saving care,” says VP of operational and strategic initiatives Scott Young. “We were looking for a system that would help us communicate detailed flight and patient information from air-to-ground reliably and efficiently. It was also important for us to have a system that could act as a seamless extension of our existing IT network.

“SkyTrac offers a flexible and reliable next-generation technology that enables our flight crew, ground crew and partner care providers to have easy access to the information they need to perform safely and efficiently at all times throughout a mission.”

SkyTrac VP of sales Jan van der Heul adds: “STARS has been a valued SkyTrac client since 2003. We are proud to have been chosen by it and to work with Airbus on implementing our full air medical communications suite on the H145.”

In 2018, STARS selected Airbus' H145 helicopter as the fleet replacement aircraft for its ageing air ambulance fleet, becoming the first Canadian operator to select the H145 in HEMS configuration. The data transfer capability provided by SkyTrac has been ordered as part of the initial STARS configuration and the first helicopters are scheduled for delivery in 2019.