Aero-Dienst has taken delivery of its first CF34 powered aircraft, marking a milestone in the company's air ambulance fleet modernisation. A second CF34 powered aircraft is expected to be delivered next year.

The new Challenger 650 aircraft will be modified into air ambulances post-delivery, strengthening Aero-Dienst's ability to perform medical transport missions. Both aircraft will be covered by GE Aerospace's OnPoint support services programme.

The first Challenger 650 was ordered in June 2024 through Bombardier Defense, with delivery scheduled for 2026; a second was ordered at ILA Berlin in June 2026, with entry into service planned for 2027 after medevac conversion at Aero-Dienst's Nuremberg facility. The Challenger 650 is powered by two GE Aerospace CF34-3B MTO turbofan engines, each rated at 9,220 lbf of thrust, and is the sole-sourced engine on the type.

Aero-Dienst managing director, Dr. Oliver Kosing says: “Reliability isn't optional in air ambulance operations; it's essential. As the OEM, GE offers the fast, dependable service quality our mission requires, backed by GE Aerospace OnPoint's comprehensive coverage. That, combined with the strong partnership and consistently positive experience from our own maintenance teams over the years, made GE the clear choice for both of our new aircraft.”

Sterling Leaven, general manager of business aviation at GE Aerospace, adds: “Aero-Dienst's mission is vitally important, and we are proud to be underwing on their modernised fleet of air ambulances. Backed by our OnPoint services, these CF34 engines will power life-saving medical treatment and transportation across the world.”

Aero-Dienst performs patient repatriation flights at the highest medical level, transporting over 1,000 patients annually from foreign countries back to Germany. During these often life-saving missions, its aircraft become flying intensive care units that carry experienced teams of doctors and paramedics, acting as the ‘university hospital of flight ambulances’. Aero-Dienst's existing ambulance fleet, ahead of the two Challenger 650s entering service, comprises two Dornier 328 jets and two Learjet 60XRs.

GE Aerospace's OnPoint solutions are customised service agreements tailored to the operational and financial needs of each airline customer. These agreements help lower the customers' cost of ownership and maximise the use of their assets. Backed by GE Aerospace's global support network, OnPoint services may include overhaul, on wing support, new and used serviceable parts, component repair, technology upgrades, engine leasing, integrated systems support and diagnostics and integrated systems.

Aero-Dienst, founded in 1958 and headquartered at Nuremberg airport, has operated patient repatriation flights exclusively for Allgemeiner Deutscher Automobil-Club (ADAC) since 1975 and has been a wholly-owned subsidiary of ADAC since 1998.