Expands Services In Yakima And Eastern Washington Communities

Pacific Northwest air medical transport provider Airlift Northwest has announced an expansion of its services and capabilities in Eastern Washington with the addition of a state-of-the-art Pilatus PC-12 turboprop plane and a new helicopter to its Yakima (WA) base at McAllister Field.

The plane went into service March 21, 2016, and replaces Airlift Northwest's Aero Commander turboprop plane currently in service at Yakima. Since the Yakima base is one of Airlift Northwest's busiest, medical providers in the Yakima area also expressed interest in the new helicopter, which is expected to be in service this May.

"This significant investment in aircraft will expand our services to more Yakima and Eastern Washington patients and communities," said Chris Martin, executive director of Airlift Northwest. "The reliable and versatile turboprop brings the latest critical care technology to our fleet. It seats up to six passengers (one pilot, two nurses, two patients and one family member) and allows us to transfer patients weighing up to 450 pounds."

Martin added that the new helicopter will allow Airlift Northwest to quickly reach places it has not been able to go before, and to better respond to trauma scenes.

"The new plane has a stellar safety record, is certified to fly into known icing conditions, and was designed with amenities and space that allows our team to best care for severely injured patients," said Clare Richert, Airlift Northwest's Yakima base manager.

(Source: Airlift Northwest news release)

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