German operator FAI rent-a-jet has been named ‘Most Innovative Air Ambulance Service’ at the Middle East Aviation Business Awards 2024. The award was presented to the group's Dubai-based MD Barbara Baumgartner by MEA Business magazine's Kenneth Mitchen.

Baumgartner comments: “I am delighted to accept this award on behalf of FAI which underscores the company's 30-plus years of operational excellence. Its commitment to innovation ensures it remains at the forefront of the industry, providing world-class medical air transport solutions globally and the highest level of care for our patients.”

The award comes after FAI received the ARGUS International Standard for Business Aircraft Operations (IS-BAO) certification earlier this year, emphasising its commitment to flight safety and operational excellence. A well-recognised voluntary standard, IS-BAO is a code of best practices designed to help operators achieve the highest levels of safety and professionalism.

FAI continues to embrace technology to enhance its air ambulance service offering. Last year, FAI achieved EURAMI accreditation for its Commercial Airline Medical Escort (CAME) service which helped to expand its portfolio to include high-quality transfers on commercial flights.

FAI has also implemented advanced digital platforms to enhance its offering. This includes custom-tailored software such as FL3XX, ForeFlight and Medinyx to enhance flight planning, execution, order processing and case management. These tools have resulted in more efficient mission management, precision and client satisfaction.

This latest award follows FAI's success at the MEA Business Achievement Awards in Dubai in July where it scooped the 'Outstanding Sector Leadership and Growth Award' in the Air Ambulance category.

FAI rent-a-jet has completed close to 800 air ambulance missions over the past 12 months and remains one of the world's largest air ambulance jet operators. It's air ambulance operations boast a diverse 10-strong fleet of Bombardier Learjet 60, Challenger 604s and Global Express aircraft, equipped with advanced medical technology to handle a wide range of air ambulance missions. This diversity allows FAI to tailor its services to the unique needs of each patient, ensuring the highest level of care during transport, which may include some of the most critical and challenging cases in the industry. FAI Air ambulance is supported by more than 70 part-time physicians, nurses and paramedics.