British Columbia, Canada-based fixed wing air ambulance services provider Carson Air has selected SkyTrac's Iridium Certus SDL-350 broadband L-band satellite system on board its fleet of King Air 360 aircraft.

The system will enable powerful capabilities to improve pilot situational awareness while also aiding flight paramedics to provide better care through liaising with medical professionals via inflight internet, video conferencing and voice communications. The integration of the SDL-350 will be conducted by special mission integrator and interior modifications firm HeliMods in Australia.

SkyTrac's SDL-350 satellite communications terminal will replace multiple onboard systems, greatly reducing size, weight and power consumption on board the modified King Air 360s. With SkyTrac's Iridium Certus system, Carson Air's fleet will gain powerful capabilities such as truly global satellite connectivity, medical data transfer, telemedicine video conferencing, EFB connectivity and engine and flight data acquisition.

Integrated SDL-350 means Carson Air will be well-equipped with future-proof onboard technology, providing safe and efficient service as part of its recently awarded long-term contract with the Province of British Columbia providing fixed wing BCEHS medevac coverage for all of British Columbia.

“With Carson Air's recent contract award, it was clear that we needed future-proof technology that aids us in becoming more efficient, responsive and ultimately providing better care to patients while inflight,” says president Kevin Hillier. “Once we became aware of SkyTrac's SDL-350, it was clear that it was the best path forward for both our flight operations and medical teams.”

With the addition of new aircraft and systems on board its fleet, Carson Air opted to select HeliMods to complete its medical interior upgrades.

“At HeliMods, we pride ourselves on our ability to deliver complex, multifaceted aircraft and interior upgrades for our global customer base,” says founder and managing director Will Shrapnel. “We're always seeking the latest technologies for our partners, and SkyTrac's SDL-350 will seamlessly integrate with onboard systems to provide the latest capabilities for Carson Air's growing fleet and mission requirements. We look forward to the completion of this exciting project.”