Native Air is strengthening its presence in New Mexico with the addition of a Las Cruces-based Pilatus PC-12 fixed-wing air ambulance to transport patients needing to go farther distances for higher-level medical care, or in weather conditions that may limit the helicopters in the Native Air network.

The base, which went into service on 22 July, is co-located with its sister rotor wing base at Las Cruces International airport. The network of Native Air bases in Las Cruces, Alamogordo, Deming, Silver City, Artesia, Carlsbad and Roswell are all part of air medical service provider Air Methods.

The addition of the PC-12, with a range exceeding 1,500 miles, significantly broadens patient transport options across New Mexico, Arizona and western Texas and enables crews to quickly transport patients to specialised care facilities across the region. It also complements Native Air’s existing helicopter fleet, allowing teams to respond to a wider range of transport needs and clinical scenarios.

“We continue investing in communities across the region because we are committed to securing rapid access to critical care, regardless of distance,” says Air Methods regional sales director Jim Burt. “This expansion of our capabilities helps us deliver better outcomes for more people when time is of the essence.”

Highly trained pilots, clinicians and mechanics staff the new base. Crews are equipped with advanced medical technology and carry whole blood for immediate transfusion, supporting patients experiencing severe trauma and blood loss. Native Air is accredited by the Commission on Accreditation of Medical Transport Systems (CAMTS).

“Native Air has been serving the people of the Southwest for over 20 years with the highest level of excellence in critical care,” adds Air Methods account executive Lia Castagna-Munoz. “We are continually adding to our clinical capabilities. From carrying whole blood to adding the Zoll AutoPulse NXT automated CPR device, to now adding this aircraft that can serve the entire region, we continue providing the best for the communities we serve.”