US firm MD Helicopters forecasts a market for several hundred emergency medical services (EMS) helicopters in the Middle East in the coming years.

"It's a robust market," said Brian Reid, MD Helicopters' vice-president of sales and marketing. "There is a need here, particularly in large cities."

Two of the company's MD 902 Explorer aircraft equipped for the EMS role are operational in Doha. The company is also in talks with a conglomerate in the region for 50 MD 902s equipped for EMS service.

Reid said the key factors limiting the growth of EMS helicopter usage in the region are a lack of infrastructure and regulatory constraints. The company has an MD 902 Explorer EMS on display at its show stand.

Source: Flight Daily News