Textron Aviation has been awarded a contract by Sundt Air for two Beechcraft King Air 350C turboprop aircraft to support air ambulance and medevac missions throughout Greece.

The Athens-based aircraft will be owned by the country's Ministry of Health, with the Hellenic Air Force overseeing maintenance and operation in support of disaster relief, medical rescue, inter-hospital transfer and repatriation to mainland healthcare services. Medical staff from the National Centers for Emergency Care will administer medical care to patients onboard the aircraft.

“The King Air 350 aircraft combines proven performance with innovative cockpit technology and an easily accessible cabin, making it an ideal medevac platform for the Ministry of Health of Greece,” says Bob Gibbs, VP special mission sales for Textron. “With the turboprop's impressive short-field capabilities and custom-built medical interior, the Ministry of Health and its operating partners will be able to serve an enduring mission throughout Greece.”

The ministry's King Air 350C aircraft is equipped with a cargo door and a Spectrum Aeromed dual stretcher system, which includes redesigned stretchers to accommodate bariatric patients and incubators raised by electrically-powered loading devices. Additionally, medical cabinets, onboard oxygen with overhead lighting and equipment mounts, stowaway tables and adjustable seats provide an easy-to-sanitise, comfortable work environment for the medical staff and passengers.

To enhance the aircraft's low fixed costs of operation, the Ministry of Health of Greece has also utilised Textron's ProAdvantage programme, which covers maintenance costs for a predictable hourly rate.