A NEW aviation firm specialising in medical repatriation and organ transfer has launched in Belfast.
247 Aviation, which has secured two Lear Jet 40 air ambulance aircraft which will operate from the International Airport, responds to medical flight emergencies throughout the world.
And it has opened a recruitment process for 14 new jobs, including captain, first officer and chief pilot posts.
The business has been established by SERE Holdings - best known for its operations in the motor trade - and Fox Flight in Canada.
The company will initially focus on patient transfer services and the safe transportation of donated organs, and as its name suggests, it will offer a 24 hours a day 365 days a year service, operating two Lear Jet 40 air ambulance aircraft.
SERE Holdings chairman Stanley Edgar said: “While the pandemic has put a stop on travel throughout the world, but our sister private jet company Jet Assist experienced an increase in demand for medical repatriation and organ transfer flights due to our private handling facilities and safe ‘bubble’ environment at Belfast International Airport.
“We saw an important opportunity here to partner with Fox Flight to provide an integrated medical and aviation air ambulance service to ease the pressure on the health service, ensuring availability and reliability.”
David Fox, president of Toronto-based Fox Flight, said: “Our cutting-edge aircraft at 247 Aviation has been uniquely adapted to support medical flights.
“Medical teams will be able to constantly monitor a patient’s condition, helping to ensure these vulnerable patients get the best possible care when they need it most. We are excited to bring new aircraft over and recruit aviation professionals in Northern Ireland.”
