Medical aviation operator CareFlight has added a third jet to its fleet with the acquisition of a Bombardier Challenger CL-604.
Based in Brisbane, the medically equipped aircraft joined two Learjets – a 45 and a 45XR – and 11 helicopters already in the fleet in October.
CareFlight chief fixed wing pilot Paul Regli said the Challenger aircraft expanded the organisation’s long-range capabilities and “allows us to continue to offer patients a lifesaving air-medical retrieval service”.
“We have a significantly greater range at more than 3500 nautical miles, or eight hours per leg,” Regli said in a statement.
“With less fuel stops we can treat and transfer patients in need of further specialist care more rapidly.”
CareFlight chief medical officer Allan MacKillop said the aircraft was fitted with two stretchers, which allowed two patients to be receive treatment from two independent specialist medical teams at the same time.
“The available space on the aircraft also allows for larger, more complex medical machinery to be on board,” Dr MacKillop said.
“Ultimately, this means we’ll have the capability to move more complex patients.”
