Loganair has converted one of its aircraft into a temporary air ambulance, and is working to turn over one of its larger aircraft to the Scottish Ambulance Service (SAS).
The regional carrier, which stepped in last month to cover some of the routes lost following the collapse of Flybe, said it was “working closely” with SAS to increase air ambulance capability owing to the “unprecedented challenges” arising from the coronavirus pandemic.
Loganair has grounded around half its fleet as flight demand has fallen in recent weeks, but is now working to put several of its aircraft to good use – and the new air ambulances are expected to be operational by Friday (3 April).
One of its Twin Otter aircraft has been converted, allowing it to carry Epishuttle isolation pods to ensure Covid-19 patients can be safely conveyed by air.
It comes after Scotland’s cabinet secretary for health, Jeane Freeman, confirmed more pods were needed and would be brought into service soon.