Contact:
Leni Kirkman - University Health System - 210-358-2335
Karen May - Baptist Health System - 210-297-1024
AirLIFE partners sign contracts to replace current fleet of helicopters
The 3 state-of-the art medical helicopters will be faster AND more fuel efficient
(SAN ANTONIO - January 4, 2006)
Most of us never expect we will ever find ourselves literally taking the ride of our life through the skies over Bexar County . But a couple of signatures on some papers today mean that if you are ever critically injured or ill, the speed and skill your life may depend on will be readily available well into the future.
Today, Baptist Health System and University Health System, the joint owners of San Antonio AirLIFE, signed contracts with Bell Helicopter to purchase three new Bell 430 medically-configured helicopters to replace the current fleet of Bell 412s.
With a top air speed of 143 miles per hour, the 430 is 16% faster and 21% more fuel efficient than the 412. In addition to the fuel savings, the per flight hour operating cost for the 430s will be approximately 75% less than the current cost of flying the 412s.
The decision to replace the fleet comes after careful evaluation and an in-depth comparison of 9 new aircraft that are all capable of serving the AirLIFE mission. More than 29,750 patients have been served well by the 412s over the past 15 years. They are well-maintained and can continue to be flown safely for many years to come, but they are no longer the most efficient aircraft available to transport critically ill and injured patients.
University Health System is purchasing 2 of the 3 new aircraft in support of its mission as the lead Level 1 Trauma Center for South/Central Texas, and for the benefit of the more than 2 million people who reside in the 22 counties that comprise Trauma Region P. "This investment will save lives. Trauma is the leading cause of death in all persons between the ages of 1 and 44, and the faster we can get critically injured patients to the trauma center, the better their chances for survival and recovery," said University Health System President/CEO George B. Hernández, Jr. "This contract is also a positive step for Bexar County taxpayers who own University Health System and who will benefit from the lower operating expense for AirLIFE."
The Baptist Health System will purchase the third new Bell 430. "We owe it to our patients, and we owe it to the crews of talented and dedicated men and women who fly AirLIFE, to provide the best equipment available today," said Baptist Health System President and CEO Trip Pilgrim. "This continued partnership between Baptist Health System and University Health System makes that a reality. We are pleased to be a part of this life-saving organization."
The contracts call for the two 412s currently owned by Baptist and University to be sold back to Bell and for the lease on the third 412 to be cancelled. The total cost for the three helicopters is approximately $18 million.
Bell Helicopter CEO Mike Redenbaugh was in San Antonio to personally execute the agreements. "We at Bell Helicopter are delighted to be in San Antonio to sign this contract with Baptist Health and University Health Systems. One of the most gratifying missions we support with our products is that of helping save lives as part of an Emergency Medical Service system. The speed and ride of these Bell 430s will assist the medical heroes of the air in getting patients to needed care quicker."
On behalf of the tens of thousands of patients whose lives will be saved over the coming years, Dr. Wayne Hilliard, President and CEO of San Antonio AirLIFE, commended the partners on this significant investment. "The commitment of these two organizations - this unique public/private partnership - and the ongoing support of this community are what make AirLIFE one of the safest and fastest growing programs in the nation," said Hilliard.
The first aircraft is expected to be delivered on October 1 of this year. The others will follow on December 1 and January 1, 2007. AirLIFE will retain and operate its current fleet until the 430s are delivered, staff is trained and the new aircraft are placed into service.
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