Alfa Helicopter has acquired a Bell 206L4T helicopter for its HEMS operations. The 206 is the latest addition to its air ambulance fleet, which comprises a number of Bell helicopters, including a 427 and

a 206L3.

The company chose the helicopter because it was one of the light twin CAT A models on the market in an EMS configuration. The aircraft operates at Olomouc, one of Alfa’s three EMS bases in the Czech Republic. The firm also runs an air ambulance service at Jihlava and Ceske Budejovic.

Operations director Martin Skvrne said: “The operational, economic and manufacture properties of the 206L4T are propitious. But there are also limitations such as the maximum internal gross weight and the fuel consumption. We have used Bell helicopters since 1992 and hope to continue to operate this make of helicopter.”

Alfa plans to acquire a Bell 429 in 2007, he added. The emergency medical service work represents 98 per cent of the firm’s activities. EMS helicopters accrue between 1,200 to 1,300 flight hours per year, according to Skvrne. In 2004, the company carried out between 300 and 700 rescue missions across the country. In addition to HEMS, Alfa is also involved in air taxi transportation, photography and maintenance services.