Prince George, B.C.- Northern Thunderbird Air ( NT Air) has been selected by the BC Ambulance Service as one of two proponents to provide fixed wing aircraft to transfer those patients needing higher levels of care.

 

NT Air will provide one turboprop plane based in Prince George, and Carson Air will provide two turboprops ( one each in Kelowna and Vancouver)   and a jet based in Vancouver.

 

 “The aircraft secured for the new contracts include safety upgrades such as advanced navigational technology and an enhanced vision system which provides improved situational awareness in all phases of flight,” said Les Fisher, BCAS Chief Operating Officer. “This system, which is currently installed in our 24/7 helicopters in Vancouver and Prince Rupert, greatly enhances safety especially during night landings at rural airfields which is an important part of provincial air ambulance service.”

 

The contracts have an estimated annual value of $18.8 million with annual Consumer Price Index increases over the term. The new contract term is for five years with the option to renew for three additional years; the existing contracts expire on June 30, 2012.