LCI delivers three emergency medical helicopters to Italy
Operating lessor LCI has delivered three Leonardo AW169 helicopters on long-term lease to the Italian operator Alidaunia for emergency medical missions. Delivered new from Leonardo over the past 12 months, the aircraft have a combined value of more than $30m.
Two of the AW169s are supporting Alidaunia’s emergency medical services (EMS) contract in the southern region of Campania. They are operating 365 days a year from two bases at Naples and Salerno, the former 24 hours a day. The third AW169 is also based in southern Italy, providing back-up support to the Alidaunia AW169 fleet – mainly in Campania and Puglia.
Equipped with the latest recovery winches, the helicopters enable crews to provide EMS cover in inaccessible areas 24 hours a day. The aircraft will also be able to transmit vital medical telemetry to hospitals and doctors before the patient’s arrival.
All three helicopters are part of the LCI and SMFL joint venture fleet, which now totals 57 aircraft valued at about $600m.
Nigel Leishman, chief commercial officer, LCI, said: “Supporting mission critical EMS operations is an integral part of our ethos and we are thrilled to be underpinning Alidaunia’s vital work in southern Italy with these proven, new helicopters. The initial ‘golden hour’ is vital in critical conditions, and helicopters have the unique combination of speed, range and access to meet this demanding medical requirement.”
Roberto Pucillo, founder, Alidaunia, added: “Since our foundation in 1976, Alidaunia has built a reputation for safe and efficient helicopter operations. It is therefore natural to partner with LCI given their proven track record in supporting EMS operations. The AW169s we are operating save lives every day and allow us to offer an enhanced level of critical care to the citizens of Campania and Puglia.”
Meanwhile, last month LCI delivered the first two dedicated helicopters to serve the US offshore wind power sector.
Above: The AW169s provide 24-hour a day cover, 365 days a year, including in inaccessible regions, in Italy.
Top: Three Leonardo AW169 helicopters have been delivered to Alidaunia on long-term lease for EMS missions.
