Air Ambulance Aircraft: Planes, Jets and Helicopters
The helicopters, turboprops and jets we arrange for patient transfers, with the range and size of each and how to choose between them.
Safe Fly Aviation arranges air ambulance flights on twin-engine helicopters, turboprops such as the Pilatus PC-12 and King Air B200, light and mid-size jets such as the Learjet 45 and Citation XLS, and long-range jets such as the Challenger 604 and Falcon 2000. A stable patient can also travel on a scheduled airliner, on a stretcher or with a medical escort. The right aircraft depends on the distance, the runway at each end and the patient’s condition.
Air ambulance aircraft by type
Six kinds of aircraft cover almost every patient transfer. We arrange the one that fits the route and the patient, from operators whose aircraft are equipped for medical flights.
Helicopter
For short transfers and places without a runway, such as hill areas, pilgrimage routes and accident sites.
Turboprop
For shorter routes and smaller airports with short runways. The usual choice for transfers within India.
Light jet
For longer domestic routes and nearby countries, when speed matters.
Mid-size jet
For the same routes as a light jet, with a taller cabin and more room for the medical team and a relative.
Long-range jet
For international transfers, with fewer fuel stops and space for a full ICU set-up.
Scheduled airliner
For a stable patient who can travel on a stretcher fitted in the cabin, or in a seat with a medical escort.
Photos show examples of each type. The aircraft for a transfer depends on the route, the patient and availability. For prices, see air ambulance cost by route.
Aircraft specifications
Size, weight and maximum range of the fixed-wing aircraft most often used for air ambulance flights.
| Aircraft | Length (m) | Wingspan (m) | Height (m) | Max take-off weight (kg) | Max range (km) | Patient layout |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Turboprops | ||||||
| Pilatus PC-12Single-engine turboprop | 14.4 | 16.3 | 4.3 | 4,740 | 3,400 | One stretcher |
| Beechcraft King Air C90Twin-engine turboprop | 10.8 | 15.3 | 4.3 | 4,581 | 2,450 | One stretcher |
| Beechcraft King Air B200Twin-engine turboprop | 13.4 | 16.6 | 4.5 | 5,670 | 3,450 | One stretcher |
| Light and mid-size jets | ||||||
| Cessna Citation CJ2Light jet | 14.5 | 15.1 | 4.3 | 5,613 | 2,950 | One stretcher |
| Bombardier Learjet 45Light jet | 17.7 | 14.6 | 4.3 | 9,752 | 3,700 | One stretcher |
| Cessna Citation XLSMid-size jet | 15.8 | 17.2 | 5.2 | 9,163 | 3,450 | One stretcher |
| Long-range jets | ||||||
| Bombardier Challenger 604 / 605Large-cabin jet | 20.9 | 19.6 | 6.3 | 21,863 | 7,400 | One or two stretchers |
| Dassault Falcon 2000LXLarge-cabin jet | 20.2 | 21.4 | 7.1 | 19,414 | 7,400 | One or two stretchers |
Maximum range is the manufacturer’s figure in still air. With a patient, a medical team, equipment and fuel reserves on board, the practical range is shorter. Figures differ slightly between versions of the same aircraft, and the patient layout depends on the operator’s medical fit-out.
Which aircraft suits which transfer
The treating doctor and our medical team choose together. Distance and the airports at each end narrow the choice; the patient’s condition decides it.
| The transfer | Usual choice |
|---|---|
| A short distance, or no runway nearby | HelicopterWeather, daylight and landing permission decide whether it can fly. |
| Within India, especially to or from a smaller airport | TurbopropUses shorter runways than a jet and costs less per hour. |
| A longer domestic route, or a nearby country | Light or mid-size jetFaster than a turboprop, so the patient spends less time in the air. |
| Another continent | Long-range jetFewer fuel stops. Permits and crew duty limits are planned for each flight. |
| A stable patient, on a tighter budget | Scheduled airlinerOn a stretcher or with a medical escort. The airline must give medical clearance first. |
How these options compare on price: air ambulance cost. Airline options in detail: commercial stretcher services and Bring You Home, a business-class medical escort.
What is on board a private air ambulance
The cabin is set up as a flying intensive-care bay. The equipment and the team are matched to the patient before the flight.
Stretcher and loading system
An aviation stretcher fixed to the cabin floor, with a loading ramp or lift for the patient.
Ventilator
A transport ventilator for patients who need breathing support during the flight.
Monitor and defibrillator
Continuous monitoring of heart rhythm, blood pressure and oxygen saturation.
Infusion and syringe pumps
For medicines and fluids that must keep running in the air.
Medical oxygen
Enough for the flight, the ground transfers at both ends and a reserve.
Medical team
A doctor, nurse or paramedic matched to the patient’s condition.
Extra equipment such as a neonatal incubator is arranged case by case. How a transfer runs from hospital bed to hospital bed: bed-to-bed guide.
Not sure which aircraft the patient needs?
Call or WhatsApp with the patient’s location, destination and condition. We reply with the aircraft that are medically suitable and what each costs.
Also call or WhatsApp +91 78400 00473 or +91 98116 73015. Email info@safefly.aero.
Air ambulance aircraft: common questions
Which aircraft are used as air ambulances?
Air ambulance flights use twin-engine helicopters for short distances, turboprops such as the Pilatus PC-12 and King Air B200 for shorter routes, light and mid-size jets such as the Learjet 45 and Citation XLS for longer routes, and long-range jets such as the Challenger 604 and Falcon 2000 for international transfers. A stable patient can also travel on a scheduled airliner, on a stretcher or with a medical escort.
Which is the best aircraft for an air ambulance?
There is no single best aircraft. A turboprop suits shorter routes and smaller airports, a jet suits longer routes, a long-range jet suits international transfers, and a helicopter suits short distances and places without a runway. The treating doctor and our medical team choose together, based on the patient’s condition, the distance and the airports at each end.
Which air ambulance aircraft has the longest range?
Of the aircraft on this page, the Challenger 604 and the Falcon 2000LX fly furthest, at up to about 7,400 km in still air. With a patient, a medical team, equipment and fuel reserves on board, the practical range is shorter, so very long transfers are planned with a fuel stop.
Can an ICU patient be flown internationally?
Yes. A private air ambulance carries a stretcher system, a ventilator, a cardiac monitor and defibrillator, infusion and syringe pumps and medical oxygen, with a medical team matched to the patient’s condition. Whether a patient is fit to fly is decided by the treating doctor and the flight medical team.
How quickly can an air ambulance be arranged?
Our team answers at any hour. Domestic flights within India are typically arranged within 2 to 4 hours. International flights usually depart within 6 to 12 hours of the first enquiry, because overflight and landing permits have to be obtained. Call +91 98112 76859 for immediate help.
How far can a Pilatus PC-12 air ambulance fly?
A Pilatus PC-12 has a maximum range of about 3,400 km in still air and a maximum take-off weight of 4,740 kg. With a full cabin the range is closer to 2,800 km. It carries one stretcher with the medical team, and it can use shorter runways than a jet.