Loganair converting planes to serve as air ambulances

A Loganair Twin Otter aircraft has been converted into an air ambulance aircraft in the space of just a week, which could land on the beach airport at Barra.

The transformation - which allows the 19-seat plane to carry Epishuttle isolation pods - will be ready for launch on Friday.

It was the combined effort of the Scottish Ambulance Service (SAS) and Loganair.

Loganair pilots will be operating the aircraft as usual, and late last week, all received a special briefing from the airline and the Scottish Ambulance Service on the nature of the deployment.

Another larger plane, a Saab 340, is also being converted to be able to carry two Epishuttle pods and medical teams, and is expected to be completed in a week.

It could land on any island except for Barra.

Loganair’s chief executive Jonathan Hinkles said: “The team effort to make this happen, moving from a concept to an operational solution in just a week, has been absolutely incredible.

“Between the SAS and Loganair teams, the concept, testing and training has all taken place and we’re also grateful for the support from the Civil Aviation Authority in progressing this project.

“Although the circumstances under which all of this work has been undertaken are ones that we’d never have wished to see, I’m heartened that the effort which has gone into this is truly admirable.

“We will support the Scottish Ambulance Service, the NHS and the island communities who rely on Loganair for their lifeline air services if and when our assistance is needed.”

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