Babcock Scandinavian Air Ambulance orders 11 aircraft

Citation Latitude

Textron Aviation has secured a fleet order from Babcock Scandinavian Air Ambulance for 11 aircraft, including the first medevac-configured Citation Latitude midsize jet and ten Beechcraft King Air 250 turboprops. The aircraft will support the Babcock contract with the Air Ambulance Service of Norway.

“We are pleased to equip Babcock and the Norwegian government with these two highly capable and reliable platforms for their medevac operations.”

Bob Gibbs, vice president of Special Mission Aircraft, said: “We are pleased to equip Babcock and the Norwegian government with these two highly capable and reliable platforms for their medevac operations.

“The Citation Latitude has experienced tremendous success in the commercial segment since entering service just two years ago, and we are excited to expand upon its robust capabilities in the special missions market. The aircraft provides steep approach capability, short runway performance and low cabin altitude, all of which will be essential to support Babcock’s air ambulance missions in communities across Norway.”

Øyvind Juell, CEO, Air Ambulance Services of Norway, said: “The introduction of the Latitude as the first jet aircraft in our fleet will enable us to reduce patient transfer times and operate direct flights across the entire country.”

Babcock’s fleet of King Air 250 turboprops will feature CAT II capability, enabling operations in reduced visibility. In addition, the aircraft will feature steep approach landing capability and are equipped to operate in the polar regions. Completing the fleet, the Latitude will also include a modified door to accommodate the loading and unloading of wide medical stretchers.

Deliveries for the 11 aircraft are scheduled throughout the next 18 months and are expected to conclude in 2019.