Loganair has converted two of its aircraft in order to operate as air ambulances to undertake sorties in transporting coronavirus patients in Scotland.
With an increasing number of people requiring hospital care, many facilities are full to capacity, which has led them to transfer some patients to less crowded sites. However, the process of transferring patients is complex.
Therefore, Scottish regional airline, Loganair has been renovating their regular DHC-6 Twin Otter aircraft into an air ambulance in order to make the necessary transfers with as reduced risk as possible. The adaptions are in compliance with the Scottish Ambulance Service (SAS) and provide additional space and provisions so that essential care can be administered. The airline plans to carry one patient per flight in Epishuttle isolation pods which ensures the safety of the health workers.
Loganair expects to use more aircraft in the future that have the capability to carry two COVID-19 patients. It is working on converting its Saab 340 with the intention of deploying this in early April. This aircraft is much larger in comparison to the Twin Otter, so will be able to transfer two cases over a greater distance, which will include the Highlands and Scottish Islands.
The airline commented that the effort to make this project happen has been incredible before saying “We will support the Scottish Ambulance Service, the NHS and the island communities who rely on Loganair for their lifeline air services if and when our assistance is needed.”
