Avincis wins new HEMS contract in Canary Islands

Avincis, Europe’s largest emergency aerial services operator, has won a new contract to supply an expanded advanced air medical transport service in the Canary Islands. Building on its 20-year partnership with the Canary Islands Emergency Service (SUC), the operator will continue to deliver helicopter emergency medical response, including advanced life support helicopter services, across the island chain.

“This new contract reinforces our long-standing partnership with SUC and underscores our shared commitment to safeguarding communities through fast, high-quality emergency medical response,” said John Boag, group CEO, Avincis.

The company will operate three EC145 C2 helicopters, each configured for advanced life support missions and provide pilots and co-pilots. SUC will supply specialised medical teams. All aircraft are equipped with the latest electromedical systems and advanced life support equipment, enabling complex in-flight medical care.

A key feature of the new contract is the introduction of a dedicated medical helicopter base in Fuerteventura, which is already operating. “This major upgrade significantly strengthens emergency response capabilities for both residents and visitors of Fuerteventura, as well as the eastern islands,” according to the company. The operational network has three bases across the Canary Islands including: Tenerife, Fuerteventura, and Gran Canaria.

The public healthcare emergency response system serving the Canary Islands, SUC coordinates urgent and emergency medical assistance across all islands. It provides rapid response through a network of ground ambulances, medicalised vehicles and air assets, including helicopters and fixed-wing aircraft for inter-island transfers.

Meanwhile, a report commissioned by the operator published last month warned that Europe is “dangerously unprepared” to fight intensifying wildfires using  rotary and fixed-wing assets.