PILATUS delivers first PC-12 PRO ambulance aircraft

The Nidwalden-based aircraft manufacturer PILATUS has delivered the first of five PC-12 PRO air ambulances to the Royal Flying Doctor Service of Australia (RFDS Central Operations). The new PC-12 PRO aircraft will be integrated into the Central Operations fleet and immediately begin providing professional medical care to some of Australia's most remote regions, as was reported.

“At Pilatus, we are extremely proud to support the RFDS with the introduction of the new PC-12 PRO,” said Dave Scutchings, CEO of the Australian subsidiary of PILATUS, in the announcement. “This latest version builds on the proven legacy of PC-12 and offers state-of-the-art avionics and expanded capabilities to support the RFDS in fulfilling its mission of ‘Furthest Corner, Finest Care’.”

The PC-12 PRO offers a spacious, pressurized cabin with a volume of over nine cubic meters, providing ample space for patients, medical personnel and medical equipment. A large cargo door and lift system also enable patients to be loaded quickly and easily. The aircraft also contains a specially developed Garmin G3000 avionics system and innovative safety features such as the Safety Autoland System. Like the other aircraft in the PC-12 series, it is capable of operating on short and unpaved runways.

“The PC-12 PRO will strengthen our fleet reliability and improve our ability to respond quickly, safely and efficiently,” explained Tony Vaughan ASM, Chief Executive of RFDS SA/NT. ce/nta