Turkish operator SOS Air has entered into service a second Hawker 400XP for medevac missions. Established in 1993 for air ambulance services, the company was previously using other operators’ aircraft for its transfers, providing medical crew and equipment. “Usually, operators fly for passengers and finding the right aircraft for patient transportation was not an easy task,” says director Ege Kanber. “Furthermore, regulations regarding air ambulance services limited the use of VIP aircrafts. As a result, we started our air ambulance company, SOS Air, in 2014.

“We have flown a Hawker 400XP for medevac transfers for six years. Due to maintenance periods, AOG situations and increasing market share of our company, we decided to add another aircraft to our fleet. In this way, we are able to continue to provide air ambulance service without any delay or interruption.

“The purchase process of the second aircraft is completed and it is ready to take off. Both aircraft are located at Istanbul Ataturk airport and, as before, all medical equipment is present for intensive care and neonatal care conditions within the cabin.

“We chose the same aircraft type to gain multiple benefits. It joined our AOC easily, since we already have the same type of airplane. Our crew can fly with both aircraft without any additional initial type rating. Our team is familiar with the Hawker 400XP, and it meets our requirements for patient transportation within our area. The cost-effective aspect of this aircraft type is also an advantage.”

The second aircraft has been purchased as a back-up option, so that on ground times would not affect operations. “However, we might also use our second aircraft during busy time periods; we currently have two captain pilots and two first officers. Due to the increasing volume of inquiries, it was almost a mandatory investment for us. In the near future, we might consider strengthening our fleet with a mid-size jet as well,” Kanber concludes.