A Gulfstream G550 operated by Hatzolah Air, a non-profit provider of emergency medical air transport headquartered at Sullivan County International airport in Bethel, New York, has been converted from business aircraft to medical evacuation air ambulance by Florida-based VIP Completions and has entered service flying life-saving missions.

The centrepiece of the conversion was the installation of a Spectrum Aeromed extended range stretcher and modular life support system.

Inside the aircraft there are three main cabin areas comprising of a life support zone, galley and lounge; two lavatories, one forward crew and one aft lounge; and capacity for up to 12 medical crew/passengers in single stretcher configuration and up to eight when transporting two patients. Design upgrade highlights include custom-designed seats in the cabin upholstered with premium Garrett leathers; wool carpeting by RedRock throughout the cabin; and customised accent panels by Tapis.

“For VIP Completions, the conversion of a business aircraft to an air ambulance is a departure from our typical projects. As an extension of our expertise, we are able to leverage years of experience in interior completions, exceptional craftsmanship and the attention to detail of our team of experts,” says VIP Completions president Ben Shirazi. “We are very proud to be working with Eli Rowe and the Hatzolah Air team. It is an inspiring volunteer organisation that does amazing work, and Eli has a unique ability to get things done. This G550 was generously gifted to Hatzolah Air, and we are supporting its conversion by donating our labour and expertise.”

VIP Completions' long-standing supplier partners Garrett, RedRock and Tapis also contributed to the non-profit initiative by donating premium materials.