Summary
- Latest agreement between SAS and Norwegian Armed Forces secures air evacuation capability with more efficient and eco-friendly A320neo aircraft.
- Convertible A320neo can transform into airborne hospital, providing essential medical equipment and cozy environment for evacuees.
- Partnership future-proofs evacuation operations, strengthening capability for national and international missions with the Norwegian Armed Forces.
On March 4th, Scandinavian Airlines (SK) and Norwegian Armed Forces signed a brand new agreement for strategic air evacuation operations. The brand new agreement will turn out to be lively in 2025, following the phase-out of the present air evacuation aircraft. It ensures that the operation maintains the present capability for years to return.
In regards to the agreement
The agreement between the 2 entities comprises two parts: an agreement to design an answer based on the Airbus A320neo and an agreement covering the operational assignments.
Photo: Scandinavian Airlines
The A320neo in query shall be a convertible model that may be reconfigured from typical passenger operations to an airborne hospital with essential medical equipment and hospital beds for the injured and wounded.
Paul Verhagen, Chief Business Officer at SAS, had this to say in regards to the latest partnership:
The A320neo is more fuel efficient and has a bigger range than the outgoing model. It’s also more environmentally friendly and emits 18% less CO2 emissions. The aircraft cabin has more sound deadening and reduces noise by 30%, improving the environment for evacuees and staff onboard.
Photo: Scandinavian Airlines
SAS has been involved in air rescue operations for 1 / 4 of a century. It has taken part in major operations comparable to the tsunami in Thailand and evacuation missions in Afghanistan, Moira refugee camp, and, most recently, Ukrainian patients.
Future-proofing the operation
The Norwegian Logistics Organization is partnering with SAS on behalf of the Norwegian Armed Forces. Brigadier General Anders Jernberg, Commander of the Norwegian Defense Logistics Organization, had this to say in regards to the latest agreement:
Photo: Scandinavian Airlines
This system will use two A320neo medical evacuation aircraft and the Armed Forces’ resources. The Norwegian Armed Forces Joint Medical Services play a major role in these evacuation operations. It offers its expertise in developing solutions for aircraft.
Brigadier General Petter Iversen, Commander of Norwegian Armed Forces Joint Medical Services, spoke in regards to the nature of the partnership between SAS and the Armed Forces:
The Norwegian Joint Headquarters leads the Joint Medical Services, which is accountable for planning, preparedness, and executing air medical evacuation operations on behalf of the Norwegian Armed Forces.