Prince Rupert to benefit from new air ambulance contract

Prince Rupert will be the home base for one of three air ambulance helicopters in service in the province, after  the BC Amublance Service  negotiated a 94.7 million dollar contract with Richmond's Helijet International.

The contract which takes effect on April 1, 2011 will see Helijet provide three dedicated helicopters to Air Ambulance duties, on call  for 24 hours a day, seven days a week, year round.

The contract will run eight years with the possibility of a four year option. Details of the contract particulars were provided in a press release from the BC Ambulance Service issued today.

Helijet outlined for the Vancouver Sun that they will be purchasing and using Sikorsky S-76C+ helicopters and will require a staff of 45 to manage, fly and maintain the air ambulance fleet. It's not known how many of that staff of 45 will be based out of Prince Rupert.

The Air Ambulances will fly out of the Richmond headquarters of the company, as well as provide for a dedicated Northern air ambulance which will fly out of Prince Rupert.

CFTK-- Helijet Awarded Air Ambulance Contract for Prince Rupert