Guardian Flight, Alaska's largest air medical healthcare provider and part of Global Medical Response (GMR), is expanding its fleet with the addition of eight Beechcraft King Air 350 aircraft, two specifically configured for long-range operations. This investment underscores Guardian Flight's commitment to Alaska, ensuring that communities from the largest city to the most remote village remain connected to lifesaving care.

“We are incredibly proud to bring our new King Air 350s into the state,” says Matt Philbrick, regional director for Alaska. “Our terrain, weather and vast distances demand aircraft that can perform at the highest level, and this investment represents our continued commitment to showing up for every patient, every community and every region we serve.”

The King Air 350s' reliability, range and ability to land in remote locations mean more patients will receive timely, critical care, regardless of where they are, aligning resources and healthcare access with the unique geographical and medical needs of the state.

“This is the next step forward for our organisation and for the communities that rely on us,” adds Jared Sherman, vice president with GMR. “With the addition of these new aircraft to the fleet, we strengthen our ability to reach patients in the most remote parts of our state.”

“Our goal is simple; Guardian Flight views healthcare as a vital resource, and we are committed to providing dependable access to care, no matter where patients are,” said Philbrick. “The King Air 350 provides the flexibility and performance to make that possible.”

Powerful turboprop engines and advanced de-icing systems ensure reliability in harsh conditions. The King Air 350 can land on short, unpaved or gravel runways, which is critical for rural villages. Known worldwide for versatility and dependability, King Air aircraft are the gold standard for medevac operations. The 350 adds 2,500 pounds to MTOW, offers about 20 kts more speed and extends range by roughly 700 miles compared to the King Air 200, enabling longer missions without sacrificing performance.

“Every minute matters in an emergency,” Sherman emphasises. “The King Air 350's faster turnaround times and optimised design mean we can respond more quickly and keep our crews ready for the next call.”

Faster turnaround times for refuelling and maintenance mean quicker deployments. Most transports occur within Alaska; the King Air 350 delivers the perfect balance of speed, range and fuel efficiency without the higher costs of jets.

Aircraft stationed in southeast Alaska carry packed red blood cells and plasma, with expansion this year to Anchorage and Deadhorse, ensuring patients in remote communities have access to lifesaving transfusion care during transport.

Specialised neonatal transport with advanced equipment and ventilator systems ensures critically ill newborns in remote areas can reach NICUs quickly and safely. Each King Air 350 is configured with two beds, as standard for Guardian Flight's fixed-wing fleet.

“In Alaska, air medical transport isn't just a service; it's a lifeline and a critical resource every Alaskan deserves. Our ability to provide membership enrolment with no waiting period means we're there for our neighbours when they need us most, turning moments of uncertainty into assurance and support,” continues Philbrick.

In Alaska, where air medical transport is often the only option for reaching lifesaving care, Guardian Flight stands apart by allowing patients to enrol in air membership with no waiting period. This flexibility means families can focus on care, not costs, knowing they're financially protected from unexpected air ambulance expenses.

Guardian Flight is a participating provider in the AirMedCare Network (AMCN), the largest air medical membership network in the US. Membership covers all household members with no out-of-pocket costs, only when flown by Guardian Flight or any AMCN provider, and can be activated instantly or purchased in advance. Annual memberships in Alaska are $125, ensuring peace of mind is accessible to everyone in the community.

Four of the King Air 350s are currently in service, with one each based in Anchorage, Juneau, Ketchikan and Sitka. Full fleet integration is expected in early 2026. The eight King Air 350s make up part of Guardian Flight's fleet of 19 medically equipped aircraft, including six King Air 200 fixed wing aircraft, three Learjet 45 aircraft, a Cessna Caravan aircraft and one H125 rotor wing aircraft.

As the largest air medical services provider in the state, Guardian Flight is integral in Alaska's healthcare system. With strategically located bases across Alaska and Commission on Accreditation of Medical Transport Systems (CAMTS) re-accreditation earned in 2025, Guardian Flight stands ready to deliver critical care that meets the highest safety and quality standards.