Air Ambulance Equipment and Services Market Size, Share, Russia-Ukraine War Impact Analysis, By Solution (Air Ambulance Services and Equipment (Stretcher, Patient Transport Unit, Oxygen Rack, Medical Equipment Stowage & Retention, Flooring)), By Service Operator (Hospital-Based, Independent, and Government), By Application (Inter-Facility, Rescue Helicopter Service, Organ Transplant Logistics, Infectious Disease Service, Neonatal and Pediatric Transport), By Aircraft Type (Fixed Wing, Rotary Wing), By End User (Commercial, Military), Regional Forecast, 2023-2030

The global air ambulance equipment and services market size was valued at USD 6.20 billion in 2022 and is projected to grow from USD 6.78 billion in 2023 to USD 14.63 billion by 2030, exhibiting a CAGR of 11.6% during the forecast period. North America dominated the air ambulance equipment and services market with a market share of 44.84% in 2022.

An air ambulance is a helicopter or fixed-wing aircraft specially equipped to transport injured or sick people in medical emergencies over distances or terrains that are inaccessible for a conventional ground ambulance. Fixed-wing aircraft are also commonly used to transport patients back from abroad. These and related activities are known as Aero Medical Evacuation (AME). In certain cases, the same aircraft can be used to search for missing or wanted people.

Medical aircraft are equipped with state-of-the-art equipment, such as stretchers, patient transport units, oxygen racks, medical equipment stowage & retention facilities, defibrillator provisioning, flooring, and other types of devices that are necessary for monitoring and treating people while in-transit. These emergency medical services are preferred for patients suffering from severe ailments including respiratory diseases, strokes, heart attacks, traumatic injuries, pregnancy complications, end-of-life cases, neurological conditions, and other sick and injured patients. The growing adoption of Helicopter Emergency Medical Services (HEMS) is expected to drive the adoption of air ambulance equipment and services from 2023 to 2030.

COVID-19 IMPACT

COVID-19 Pandemic Propelled Market Growth Owing to Increased Demand for Transport Services for Infected Patients

The COVID-19 pandemic impacted the demand for Emergency Medical Services (EMS), which relied on helicopters to transport patients. While the pandemic increased the demand for EMS to transport COVID-19-positive patients, it also decreased the need for other types of EMS as there was a major decline in accidents and injuries due to lockdowns and social distancing measures.

When the COVID-19 crisis hit New York in April 2020, hospitals across the city were overwhelmed within days. Urgent requests from the Ministry of Public Health were sent to critical care transport companies, asking for assistance in transferring the most serious cases to other hospitals. Air Methods, an air medical transport service provider, announced that from April 1^st to 6^th it had transported an average of 3 to 6 patients per day from the JFK International Airport to medical facilities in upstate New York.

Moreover, in the military sector as well, the pandemic reinforced the need to improve aircraft medical evacuation capabilities and procedures to ensure patient and crew safety while minimizing the infection rate. To begin transporting the infected patients quickly, the Air Force initially relied on an existing facility, the Transportation Isolation System (TIS). TIS was developed in 2014 in response to the Ebola virus outbreak and the need to be prepared to safely move patients with infectious or communicable diseases.

TIS is the only organization of its kind in the entire U.S. Department of Defense, and Air Force physicians have been training in these procedures for years before the COVID-19 pandemic. It was only due to COVID-19 that the Air Force deployed the TIS on its first operational mission. In April 2020, three COVID-19-positive patients were aerially evacuated from Afghanistan to Ramstein Air Base in Germany. The two TIS pods are located in the rear of the C-17 Globemaster III aircraft and consist of TIS-trained aeromedical evacuation teams and specialized medical teams.

RUSSIA-UKRAINE WAR IMPACT

Russia-Ukraine War Positively Impacted Market Owing to Increased Medical & Casualty Evacuations

MEDEVAC or Medical Evacuation involves careful planning to move a patient from the scene of an accident to a hospital for further medical care using a specially designed patient transport vehicle. CASEVAC or Casualty Evacuation involves transporting injured civilians and military personnel from battlefields or combat zones to medical facilities or trauma centers so that they can receive routine care in non-medical vehicles.

With many staff treating the wounded on the front lines, patients requiring intensive care often have to be transferred to other hospitals outside Ukraine. The EU Civil Protection Mechanism funds medical evacuation operations, and is coordinated from a platform based in the Polish town of Rzeszów, near the Ukrainian border. The “medical evacuation” center provides care and support to patients from Ukraine before they are flown for treatment at a hospital in another European country. The MEDEVAC scheme also supported by Norway, which offers two flights per week, to transport patients from Rzeszów to other countries that provides further medical treatment to the patients.

For instance, as of August 2023, the European Union (EU) has coordinated the medical evacuation of more than 2,300 Ukrainian patients to European hospitals since Russia began its invasion. Patients with war injuries or serious health problems who cannot currently be treated in Ukraine have been transferred to hospitals in 21 European countries under a program launched in March 2022. Furthermore, in June 2023, the World Health Organization (WHO) launched an 18-month project funded by the European Commission to strengthen the medical evacuation and repatriation process of Ukraine’s Ministry of Health.

LATEST TRENDS

Green Technologies and Mobile App-based Booking & Monitoring Systems Are Prominent Market Trends

Green technology refers to the use of science and technology to develop eco-friendly products and services using production processes or supply chains that protect the environment. This includes clean energy production and the use of alternative fuels and technologies that are less harmful to the environment than fossil fuels. Many major companies are focusing on green technologies to increase their market share.

For instance, in May 2023, CHC Helicopter announced the launch of ClearSkies, the industry's first "low carbon" rotary wing flight planning software developed to optimize and improve the sustainability of flight operations. Developed and tested in-house by CHC Helicopter's experienced technical pilots, ClearSkies has been integrated into the company's own operational flight planning system 'OFPS' to improve flight profile, reduce fuel consumption, and decrease CO2 emissions.

Furthermore, satellite communications, integration of AI & IoT in air ambulance equipment, mobile app-based booking & monitoring systems, partnerships & collaborations, product innovations, and government initiatives are the key trends in the market.

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DRIVING FACTORS

Rising Adoption of HEMS Will Catalyze Global Air Ambulance Equipment And Services Market Growth

Helicopter Emergency Medical Services (HEMS) uses helicopters for emergency medical transportation. In many countries, HEMS has made significant progress. Rotor-wing aircraft can reach destinations three to five times faster than ground vehicles, which makes them the only suitable option for accessing inhospitable terrains. Quicker response time results in early medical intervention, which greatly enhances a patient’s survival chances, especially in emergency situations.

For instance, in February 2023, Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) and Response Plus Holding PJSC (RPM), a prominent healthcare provider in the U.A.E., signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU). This agreement aims to foster collaboration between the two entities in various areas, including emergency medical services, medical evacuation, helicopter emergency medical services, and other fields. The collaboration will focus on exploring opportunities for joint initiatives in India, the Gulf region, and the MENA region, bringing benefits to both the organizations. Furthermore, the rising incidence of accidents, natural disasters, and growing geriatric population have increased the demand for HEMS, which in turn, is driving the market growth.

Rising Cross-Border Tensions and Increasing Demand for Aeromedical Evacuations Will Catalyze Market Growth

Rising cross-border tensions have driven technological advancements in the defense sector. Innovations, such as advanced life support systems, telemedicine capabilities, and real-time monitoring devices are being integrated into defense air ambulances to enhance the quality of medical care provided to injured soldiers in high-stress situations. For instance, in August 2023, the U.S. Air Force started reconsidering how to medically evacuate thousands of wounded American soldiers from the Pacific within weeks if the military suffered heavy losses in its war with China.

Such a conflict would force the military's flying ambulances to account for thousands of miles of open ocean, lack of comprehensive medical facilities, and logistical challenges in transporting supplies throughout the region. As per reports, 6,900-10,000 American troops would be killed, wounded or missing if a war with China broke out. Those killed in battle would account for about half of the casualties.

In a span of three weeks, the U.S. will have suffered about half the casualties it has suffered in its 20 years of war with Iraq and Afghanistan. Such high number of casualties will put enormous pressure on military medical evacuations to transport as many soldiers to safety as possible. This would require a change in the Air Force's current aeromedical evacuation operations, which the military relies on to move patients between major bases and hospitals around the world.

RESTRAINING FACTORS

High Operating Costs and Lack of Insurance Coverage to Hinder Market Growth

Many regions do not provide insurance coverage for air ambulance equipment and services. This creates substantial financial strain on people. Patients are less inclined to utilize these equipments and services even during emergencies if there are no adequate insurance alternatives available. So, the demand for these services may decrease. For instance, in March 2020, a 34-year-old woman from the U.S. with private health insurance was charged USD 474,725 for a fixed-wing transport, which is estimated to be USD 275 per mile. CareFirst initially paid the bill for USD 14,304.55, leaving USD 460,420 outstanding. After much back and forth, CareFirst finally agreed to pay 1/7^th of the original bill, or USD 70,864.90.

Additionally, the market is highly regulated and operators require specific approvals from regulatory bodies to provide these services. Furthermore, factors, such as procuring and maintaining aircraft, medical equipment, fuel, and staff requires high initial investment. Such high operating costs can decrease the presence of companies offering air ambulance services and discourage them from providing cost-effective services. This will create challenges for new companies entering the market and slow the demand for these equipments and services.

SEGMENTATION

By Solution Analysis

Rising Demand for Faster Medical Transport to Fuel Adoption of Air Ambulance Services

 By solution, the market is bifurcated into these services and equipment. The air ambulance services segment is dominating the air ambulance equipment and services market share and estimated to be the fastest growing segment during the forecast period due to increased demand for advanced healthcare services. These services encompass a wide range of medical evacuation solutions provided by specialized aircraft, such as fixed wing and rotary wing. These services include providing high-quality medical staff, advanced life support equipment, and rapid response capabilities, thereby facilitating the safe and swift transportation of patients in critical medical conditions.

The equipment segment is estimated to grow significantly during the forecast period due to the rising availability of cost-effective services. Equipment refers to specific medical devices and accessories installed within air ambulances including rotary wing and fixed wing aircraft.

By Equipment Analysis

Patient Transport Units Gained Major Traction Owing to Growing Demand For Innovative & Compact Equipment

By equipment, the market is segmented into stretcher, patient transport unit, oxygen rack, medical equipment stowage & retention, defibrillator provisioning, flooring, and others. The patient transport unit segment dominated the market and is estimated to be the fastest growing segment due to the growing demand for innovative and compact equipment for emergency air medical operations. A patient transport unit is a platform mainly used for intensive care transportation by air. These are specialized compartments within air ambulances that are equipped with medical devices and life support systems. These units ensure patient stability and comfort during transport.

The stretcher segment is expected to grow significantly due to the increasing demand for innovative aircraft patient loading systems. A stretcher in air ambulances is designed to fit into the aircraft, providing a secure and stable platform for patients during transit. It is a medical apparatus used to safely transport patients.

By Service Operator Analysis

Hospitals to be Major Service Operators Due to Introduction of New Healthcare Plans For Air Medical Transport

Based on service operator, the market is divided into independent, hospital-based, and government. The hospital-based segment is dominating the market and estimated to grow significantly during the forecast period due to the introduction of new healthcare plans by hospitals for air medical services. In hospital-based services, air ambulance service providers are directly affiliated with healthcare institutions. These services are often an extension of hospitals, offering specialized air medical transport to and from the affiliated healthcare facilities.

The government segment is estimated to be the fastest growing one during the forecast period due to the provision of cost-effective services. The government sector offers air ambulance equipment and services that are managed and operated by government agencies. These services are often deployed during emergencies, natural disasters, or military operations, thereby offering medical support and evacuation capabilities.

By Application Analysis

Air Ambulance Services to be Widely Used in Inter-Facility Applications Owing to Rising Demand for Advanced Medical Treatment

By application, the market is segmented into infectious disease services, inter-facility, organ transplant logistics, neonatal & pediatric transport, rescue helicopter services, and others. The inter-facility segment is the dominating one and estimated to record the fastest growth during the forecast period due to the growing need for advanced healthcare treatments and specialized care. Inter-facility transport refers to the movement of patients between healthcare facilities.

The organ transplant logistics segment might grow significantly due to the increasing demand for emergency organ transplant. Organ transplant logistics refers to the use of air ambulances to transport organs, tissues, and medical teams to different locations to carry out transplantation procedures.

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By Aircraft Type Analysis

Growing Demand for HEMS to Fuel Demand and Use of Rotary Wing Aircraft

Based on aircraft type, the market is classified into fixed wing and rotary wing. The rotary wing segment dominates the market share and is expected to witness the fastest growth during the forecast period due to the rising demand for these ambulances for Helicopter Emergency Medical Services (HEMS). Rotary wing aircraft are used as air ambulances to provide the necessary medical transport services. Airbus AS365, BK117, H125, H130, H135 and H145, BELL' 407 and 412, Leonardo's AW169 and AW139, Sikorsky S-76D and others are for commercial purpose whereas the UH-60 Black Hawk, HH-60, CH-47 Chinook, CH-56 Sea Knight, and S-76D are commonly used rotary wing ambulances for the military sector.

The fixed wing segment is expected to grow at a healthy pace due to the increase in long-range aerial medical missions. A fixed wing aircraft is used as an air ambulance to transport patients from one location to the other. Gulfstream IV, Learjet 60, Learjet 35A, Cheyenne II and others are for commercial whereas C-17 III Globe Master, C-130 Hercules, C-27J Spartan, and A400M are some commonly used fixed-wing air ambulances for military sector. These planes can travel faster and cover greater distances.

By End User Analysis

Commercial Air Ambulances to be Extensively Used Owing to Rising Prevalence of Non-Communicable Diseases

By end user, the market is divided into commercial and military. The commercial segment is the dominating one and estimated to grow significantly during the forecast period due to the rising prevalence of non-communicable diseases and increasing geriatric population. This segment includes private healthcare institutions, commercial airlines, and corporate entities that utilize air ambulance services and equipment for medical emergencies, transporting patients between healthcare facilities, or in emergency situations.

The military segment is expected to be the fastest growing segment due to the rising geo-political tensions between various countries. Military forces and defense organizations employ air ambulance services and equipment for evacuating injured soldiers, providing medical support in conflict zones, and conducting aeromedical evacuations during military operations.

REGIONAL INSIGHTS

With respect to the geography, the market covers North America, Europe, Asia Pacific, Latin America and the Middle East & Africa.

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North America held a dominant position in the market in 2022 was valued at USD 2.78 billion. This growth is credited to the rising presence of major air ambulance equipment and service providers in this region. For instance, in June 2023, Ascent Helicopters, headquartered in Parksville, British Columbia, became the leading operator of Helicopter Emergency Medical Services (HEMS) across the province, after the company was awarded a 10-year contract worth USD 544.4 million by BC Emergency Health Services.

Europe accounted for the second-largest share of the global market in 2022. This market’s growth is attributed to the growing focus on quality of care and patient safety. For instance, in November 2022, German helicopter emergency medical services operator DRF Luftrettung ordered two additional H145 helicopters and inked a deal that covered the entire fleet with a customized HDataPower package from Airbus Helicopters’ Connected Services range of data services. The two H145s were added to the existing fleet of 15 H145s and three H135s ordered in 2020.

Asia Pacific held a significant share of the market in the base year and might emerge as the fastest growing region in the coming years. The regional market’s growth is due to factors, such as rising disposable income, rapid urbanization, and enhanced healthcare infrastructure. In May 2021, the Indian subsidiary of U.S.-based helicopter transport operator Blade announced the launch of emergency medical services across the country due to a notable surge in the demand for air ambulance equipment and services due to the pandemic.

The Latin America market is expected to grow at a significant rate in the coming years. The market’s expansion is due to the rising adoption of aerial medical services. In addition, enhanced access to healthcare facilities and growing disposable incomes will also boost the market growth. In January 2022, Helibras delivered two H145 aircraft models to Air Jet Taxi Aéreo Ltd. These helicopters were the first ones to be equipped with five rotors to be used for passenger as well as medical transport in Brazil.

The Middle East & Africa is also anticipated to witness major growth in the global market due to increasing partnerships between market players to promote emergency medical services in the region. In January 2022, U.A.E.-based healthcare provider Response Plus Holdings and Falcon Aviation, an Abu Dhabi-based commercial aviation operator in the MENA region, joined forces to meet the demand for air ambulance services in the United Arab Emirates.

KEY INDUSTRY PLAYERS

Partnerships, Collaborations, and Other Major Growth Strategies are Key Focus of Leading Players

The global market is consolidated with key players, such as Air Methods Corporation, Global Medical Response Inc., CHC Group LLC, PHI, Inc., Babcock International Group plc (U.K.), and others. These companies are focusing on partnerships & collaborations, entering emerging markets, technological advancements in air ambulance, and product innovations to increase their market share. For instance, in March 2023, Weststar Aviation Services Sdn. Bhd. (“WASSB”), the largest provider of offshore helicopter services in Southeast Asia, partnered with Helicopter & Cooperation SAS (“H&C”) to expand its reach globally through its subsidiary Weststar NDD Srl (“WNDD”).

This partnership aims to expand the range of services and strengthen the market position of Weststar NDD Srl in Europe and Africa. The focus will be on providing critical services to WNDD's current and future customers in the oil & gas, search & rescue, and EMS industries in these regions.

LIST OF KEY COMPANIES PROFILED:

• Air Methods Corporation (U.S.)


• Global Medical Response Inc. (U.S.)


• CHC Group LLC (U.S.)


• PHI, Inc. (U.S.)


• Babcock International Group plc (U.K.)


• European Air Ambulance (EAA) (U.K.)


• Avincis Aviation Sweden AB (Sweden)


• Lifeguard Ambulance Service LLC (U.S.)


• Life Flight Network (U.S.)


• IAS Medical Limited (U.K.)


• Aerolite AG (Switzerland)


• Bucher Group (Switzerland)


• Spectrum Aeromed, Inc. (U.S.)


• Lifeport, Inc. (U.S.)


• Air Ambulance Technology GmbH (Austria)


• United Rotorcraft (U.S.)


• SPAES GmbH & Co. KG (Germany)


• UUDSAero (France)


• AeroMedical Inc. (U.S.)


• Lufthansa-Technik AG (Germany)

KEY INDUSTRY DEVELOPMENTS:

• September 2023 - ASAP Semiconductor, an electronics and components supplier, launched a website named “Buy Medevac Parts” dedicated to meeting the critical requirements of the air ambulance equipment and services industry. The website provides customers with access to a wide range of components and equipment to suit the unique needs of air ambulance operators. Their inventory includes solutions for medevac helicopters and private jets suitable for medical assistance.


• July 2023 - Aeromedical evacuation airmen underwent training to operate with impaired or denied communications as part of Mobility Guardian 23, a multinational joint training exercise involving 70 aircraft and 3,000 personnel currently underway in the Indo-Pacific. Two aeromedical evacuation teams operated on C-130 transport aircraft and moved 48 simulated patients in six "uncontrolled" missions, meaning pilots had to react quickly and with little advance information about the patient's condition.


• July 2023 - Exchange Income Corporation (EIC) announced that its subsidiary Keewatin Air LP was the successful bidder to provide critical care health insurance to the province of Manitoba. The proposed 10-year contract called for a fleet of five aircraft, which was a mix of jets and turboprops. This followed a 10-year contract awarded last month by the Province of British Columbia to EIC’s subsidiary Carson Air to provide fixed-wing evacuation insurance.


• April 2023 - Lifeport LLC, announced the acquisition of the advanced materials business of Aeromatrix Composites (Aeromatrix). LifePort acquired a portion of Aeromatrix's business, including flat & profiled composite panels, adhesives (ATR525, ATR1000 and ATR500), all ATR panel fasteners & inserts, and product lines load component. This acquisition further strengthened LifePort's strategy of leveraging its expertise and capabilities to continue developing innovative offerings.


• November 2022 - Sikorsky and the Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency (DARPA) autonomously piloted an unmanned UH-60 Black Hawk helicopter in simulated internal and external cargo rescue and resupply operations. At the PC22 Technology Gateway, the Sikorsky and DARPA teams demonstrated how the unmanned and optionally piloted Black Hawk can deliver large amounts of blood products unharmed by flying low and fast above the ground, using the terrain to hide its signature, resupplying the army with external energy sources loaded and rerouted in flight to CASEVAC (Casualty Evacuations).

REPORT COVERAGE

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The global air ambulance equipment and services market report provides a detailed market analysis. It comprises all major aspects, such as R&D capabilities and optimization of the operating services. Moreover, the market report offers insights into the market share, trends, regional analysis, porter’s five forces analysis, and competitive landscape of various companies profiled, and highlights key industry developments. In addition to the above-mentioned factors, the report focuses on several factors that have contributed to the global market’s growth in recent years.

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