Aurora, Ore., 07/13/2022—Life Flight Network, the nation’s largest not-for-profit air ambulance provider, has signed a purchase agreement for four (4) new Bell 407GXi helicopters for its air medical fleet. Delivery of the aircraft will begin in May 2024 and will bring the total number of Bell 407GX series helicopters operated by Life Flight Network to 21.
The addition of these IFR-certified Bell 407GXi helicopters will allow the program to continue to strategically position its bases to serve rural communities throughout the Pacific Northwest and Intermountain West.
“Life Flight Network continues to grow in response to increasing populations and demand from the communities we serve. The Bell 407GXi has impressed us with its performance, capacity, and reliability, allowing our crews to provide industry-leading care in a safe and expeditious manner. We are excited to be expanding our fleet with these aircraft, which provide advanced safety features and a state-of-the-art transport environment,” said Ben Clayton, Chief Executive Officer of Life Flight Network.
Each Bell 407GXi will be equipped with a Spectrum Aeromed medical interior and the equipment necessary to provide ICU-level care in transport. Life Flight Network will staff these aircraft with a certified flight registered nurse and a certified flight paramedic who possess the experience and training that enables them to provide an advanced scope of practice to their patients. Critical care services can include mechanical ventilation, cardiac monitoring, maintenance of hemodynamic intravenous infusions, and the administration of blood products. The aircraft’s large bi-fold side door enhances the transport environment by improving the ease and speed of patient loading.
With a range of over 400 miles and an airspeed of 161 miles per hour, the Bell 407GXi is able to quickly transport patients when they need it the most. The aircraft has a power-to-weight ratio that provides for excellent performance at higher altitudes within Life Flight Network’s service area, and a three-axis autopilot contributes to improved safety and decreased pilot workload. Additionally, the aircraft is certified for Instrument Flight Rules (IFR), which allows for a greater margin of safety and provides additional operational capabilities. “The FAA-certified Bell IFR kit for the Bell 407GXi delivers enhanced readiness when performing critical patient care missions,” said Lane Evans, Managing Director, North America, Bell. “Bell is proud to share in today’s milestone with Life Flight Network becoming the largest Bell 407GXi HAA operator in their region.”
Life Flight Network continues to be a leader in the air ambulance industry, safely transporting patients throughout Oregon, Washington, Idaho, and Montana. The acquisition of these additional aircraft further strengthens their ability to safely and expeditiously transport critically ill and injured patients in the communities they serve.
