Kate Sarsfield / London
UK air ambulance, charter and freight operator Air Med is earmarking expansion through aircraft and company acquisitions, as well as joint venture partnerships in an effort to widen its global reach.
The Oxford-based company owns 11 aircraft – four Piper Seneca piston twins, three Piper Chieftains, two Piper Cheyenne twin turboprops, of which it is the sole UK operator, and two Cessna Caravans. “We are looking to expand every facet of our business, but we will do it gradually and when the right opportunity arises,” says Air Med co-owner Rupert Dent.
The private company is evaluating a number of very light jets for its corporate fleet, which consists of a single Seneca and Cheyenne. “We are looking at the Eclipse Aviation Eclipse 500, Cessna Citation Mustang, as well as the Sino Swearingen and Grob SPn light jet as a next step in the fleet that we provide today,” says Dent, adding that the growth of Oxford airport, around 95km (60 miles) north of London, is driving demand for business aircraft services.
Air Med’s air ambulance operation, which accounts for around 60% of its business, is also set for expansion. “We would like to pick up national business from a variety of countries such as Germany, Turkey and Morocco,” Dent says.
Source: Flight International
