SAF Aerogroup, a European operator of mission-critical aviation services, and International SOS, a provider of security and health risk management services, have entered into a strategic collaboration focused on saving lives through revolutionising global medical evacuation in all domains.

Together, SAF Aerogroup and International SOS will offer a range of on-demand aeromedical services and capabilities, including medical evacuation, disaster relief, crisis response and humanitarian support enhanced by robust on-the-ground medical capabilities. The partnership will focus on the delivery of medical excellence in all medical evacuation models, including standby, capacity enhancement and sustained surge support with global HEMS capability.

These services will be of support to organisations including the military, humanitarians, government civilians and corporate clients across Africa, Asia, Latin America, Europe, North America and the Pacific. The partnership will also be able to provide security evacuation support.

Antoine Multon, general manager, Europe, government services at International SOS, comments: “Our collaboration enables fast deployment and reactivity, providing flexibility for crisis and critical missions. Both our organisations are committed to maintaining high quality of service, availability, responsiveness and mission enablement, with the protecting and saving of lives at our core.”

Jean-Louis Camus, co-CEO of SAF Aerogroup, adds: “This collaboration marks a significant milestone in providing high-quality, turnkey services, safeguarding lives and protecting populations through high-value aviation services, incorporating advanced medical support and cutting-edge technologies, in support of governments, local authorities and international organisations.”

Through this collaboration, SAF Aerogroup and its subsidiary, Starlite Aviation, will provide rotary and fixed-wing aircraft equipped with valid operating licences and ancillary flight permits, ensuring compliance with EASA and South African Civil Aviation Authority (SACAA) standards. Its highly skilled pilots, co-pilots and aero engineers will be supported by comprehensive maintenance, repair and overhaul services, as well as personnel training capabilities for their full spectrum of services. Additionally, SAF Aerogroup will supply fixed medical equipment and resupply capabilities, enhancing the operational readiness of medevac missions.

International SOS will complement these offerings by providing medical staffing for medevac teams, including flight doctors, flight nurses and paramedics adhering to EURAMI standards. The integration of International SOS medical and assistance services will ensure seamless coordination and delivery of care. Furthermore, International SOS will work with its extensive network to supply medical equipment, pharmaceutical products, consumables and resupply capabilities, ensuring that medevac operations are equipped to handle any medical emergency.