A Loganair Twin Otter aircraft has been converted into an additional air ambulance aircraft, allowing it to carry Epishuttle isolation pods for the safe carriage of COVID-19 patients by air.
The airline is also working to convert a larger Saab 340 aircraft, capable of operating into all Highlands and Islands airports with the exception of Barra, to become an air ambulance with the capability to carry two Epishuttle pods and accompanying medical teams simultaneously. The airline hopes this aircraft will be available within the next seven days. As Barra, with its unique beach runway, will be served by the smaller Twin Otter.
These Loganair aircraft will be based at Glasgow Airport however they will be available to operate throughout Scotland, from 3rd April. Loganair pilots will be operating the aircraft as usual, and late last week, all received a special briefing from the airline and the Scottish Ambulance Service on the nature of the deployment.
Loganair’s Chief Executive Jonathan Hinkles said: “The team effort to make this happen, moving from a concept to an operational solution in just a week, has been absolutely incredible. Between the SAS and Loganair teams, the concept, testing and training has all taken place and we’re also grateful for the support from the Civil Aviation Authority in progressing this project.
“Although the circumstances under which all of this work has been undertaken are ones that we’d never have wished to see, I’m heartened that the effort which has gone into this is truly admirable. 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.”
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