“Introduction Cessna Citation XLS jet into own fleet ends years of depending on a third-party aircraft provider for the long-haul evacuation and repatriation flights”,

Dr Bettina Vadera, Chief Executive & Medical Director, AMREF Flying Doctors.

On 23rd November, AMREF Flying Doctors launched the first of our two fully-owned, dedicated jet air ambulance, Cessna Citation XLS (christened, Sir Archie) and the new Operations and Emergency Control Centre.

The acquisition of the two jets is one of the biggest milestones in AMREF Flying Doctors since transformation from a programme within the Amref Health Africa, to a company limited by guarantee.  With these acquisitions, AFD has made a leap from being a medical evacuation service operating a fleet of turboprop aircraft locally and regionally to an internationally recognised and accredited air ambulance provider that owns and operates a modern fleet of aircraft including two jets.

AMREF Flying Doctors can now enjoy our expanded in-house capability for aeromedical patient repatriation to or from other continents.

AMREF Flying Doctors simultaneously launched the newly built Operations & Emergency Control Centre (OECC). The new OECC provides some state-of-the-art ICT systems and communication equipment for our medical and aviation professionals, who work hand in hand 24 hrs a day to ensure aviation safety, quality, fast response and the finest of medical care to our patients.

The Jet Air ambulance launch ceremony, held at the AMREF Flying Doctors hangar inside Wilson Airport, was presided over by Ambassador Raychelle Omamo, Cabinet Secretary, Defence and graced by several distinguished guests including: Australian High Commissioner, Ms Alison Chartres; AFD Board lead by Chair, Capt. Clyde Thomson; Amref Health Africa, Group CEO, Dr. Githinji Gitahi; AFD partners and customers and a cross section of the bigger Amref Health Africa family.

In her speech during the ceremony, Guest of Honour, Ambassador Omamo challenged AMREF Flying Doctors to build a robust brand to survive the ever changing operating environment, “As we all celebrate AMREF Flying Doctors new status as a jet operation we must remember that in an increasingly challenging medevac service such as this there is need to make the most of the opportunities that lie ahead. I challenge you to continue elevating the prominence of your services in Eastern Africa and the continent into a global level”, she said.