The US air ambulance service Life Flight Network has signed a far-reaching cooperation agreement with the Swiss aircraft manufacturer Pilatus Aircraft. The agreement includes a firm order for twelve PC-12 PRO aircraft, as well as additional options for future fleet expansion over a ten-year period. Life Flight Network will thus be the launch customer for the medically configured variant of this model in the United States.
Delivery of the new turboprop aircraft is scheduled to begin in 2027. The aircraft will be completed at the Pilatus facility in Broomfield, Colorado, and specially equipped for intensive care patient transport to ensure care capacity in the Pacific Northwest, the Intermountain West, and Hawaii.
The decision to choose the PC-12 PRO is based on the platform's technological advancements, which set new standards, particularly in avionics. The aircraft is equipped with the Garmin G3000 Prime system, which reduces pilot workload and increases precision during instrument approaches. A key safety feature of the new fleet is the integration of Safety Autoland technology. This system enables a fully automatic landing at the nearest suitable airfield in the event of pilot incapacitation. For a medical operator frequently working in challenging geographical and meteorological conditions, this feature provides critical redundancy.
The operational versatility of the single-engine turboprop is a crucial factor for missions in remote areas. The PC-12 PRO is distinguished by its short takeoff and landing (STOL) capabilities, enabling operation from unpaved or short runways inaccessible to conventional air ambulance jets. The interior of the medevac version is manufactured in the USA and offers ample space for state-of-the-art critical care equipment, along with optimized ergonomics for the medical crew. By combining high cruising speed with low operating costs per flight hour, Life Flight Network aims to significantly increase the efficiency of long-distance patient transport.
From an economic perspective, this major order strengthens Pilatus' market position in the North American special missions segment. Life Flight Network, the largest non-profit provider of its kind in the US, is leveraging the ten-year partnership to ensure its long-term operational readiness. The investment is driven by the need to replace outdated aircraft models with more powerful and technologically advanced units. As the demand for the rapid transport of critically ill patients between rural hospitals and specialized centers continues to grow, fleet modernization represents a necessary adaptation to the increasing frequency of missions.