GURUGRAM, April 23: Air India, India's leading global airline, announced its partnership with MedAire, a premier aviation medical support provider, to ensure emergency healthcare services to its passengers and crew both on the ground and in the air.
With Air India enhancing its nonstop connectivity to long-haul international destinations, this collaboration underscores the airline's dedication to passenger and crew safety. It marks a significant milestone in the airline's transformation journey to become a world-class airline offering pleasant, safe, and reliable service.
During the signing ceremony, Peter Tuggey, Managing Director of Europe, Middle East and Asia at MedAire, reflected on the collaboration: "Our alliance with Air India marks a pivotal moment in our joint efforts to transform in-flight healthcare. Air India's proactive approach to safety and genuine commitment to passengers' well-being is commendable. Through this partnership, we will leverage each other's strengths to create an exceptional travel experience, further enhancing the confidence and comfort of passengers and crew on every Air India journey."
Besides effectively handling medical crises, this will reduce medical diversions with real-time professional assistance and minimise inconvenience and stress to all passengers. If a diversion is advised, the most suitable airport for medical emergency landing is also recommended and the airport is alerted to handle the situation effectively. The initiative sets a benchmark in the Indian aviation sector, making Air India the first airline in the country to integrate the advanced medical assistance service across its fleet gradually.
Via MedAire's in-flight app, MedLink will guide the crew through complex medical scenarios during an in-flight emergency. It will help them assess and handle the situation effectively, providing instant solutions until the aircraft reaches its destination. It will help expedite care for passengers during a flight by facilitating the crew to capture diagnostic information and transmit it to a pool of MedAire experts for prompt advice. This will not only facilitate proper treatment but also help avoid unnecessary diversions.
"We are thrilled to partner with Air India, marking a significant milestone not just for our two organisations but also for the entire aviation industry in India. This collaboration with Air India, a carrier renowned for its commitment to passenger welfare and safety, highlights our shared dedication to setting new standards in in-flight healthcare," stated Bill Dolny, CEO of MedAire.
Air India CEO and MD Campbell Wilson said, "We are committed to providing world-class service to our passengers while ensuring their safety and comfort. The collaboration will help us achieve this. MedAire's expertise in providing expert medical support services on the ground or in the flight makes them the perfect fit for our expanding operations. This initiative extends beyond immediate health benefits, positioning Air India as a leader in customer care and operational excellence."
"Our crew play a critical role in ensuring timely care to passengers during an in-flight medical event. The app helps the crew gather accurate health information from the ill passenger, which is then shared seamlessly with ground-based medical teams at the MedAire centre. Prompt and accurate communication with medical professionals reassures crew and passengers that Air India is well-equipped to mitigate any onboard medical risk," said Air India's Head of Safety, Security & Quality, Henry Donohoe.
Highlights of MedAire-Air India collaboration:
- Passenger Fit-to-Fly Assessments: MedAire will assess a passenger's medical fitness to fly, which will help prevent an in-flight medical event and a resulting diversion, reducing the risks associated with an unplanned landing.
- Management of In-flight Events: MedLink can facilitate communications in over 140 languages with a pool of specialists. Air India crew will have ready access to a doctor, who will assess the situation and advise how to manage the event.
- Diversion Recommendations: MedLink doctors provide medical recommendations for the pilot to consider. If the decision is to divert, the MedLink team will assist the pilot and dispatch to determine the most medically appropriate diversion location based on the passenger's medical needs.
- Diversion Support: MedAire maintains a database of medical response capabilities at over 5000 airports. In case of a diversion, the MedLink team will coordinate with Air India teams, airport operations, and local emergency services on the ground to meet the aircraft for medical treatment of the passenger.
ABOUT AIR INDIA
Founded by the legendary JRD Tata, Air India pioneered India's aviation sector. Since its first flight on October 15, 1932, Air India has built an extensive domestic network with nonstop flights to cities around the world, across the USA, Canada, UK, Europe, Far-East, South-East Asia, Australia, and the Gulf. After 69 years as a government-owned enterprise, Air India and Air India Express were welcomed back into the Tata group in January 2022.
Air India is navigating through a significant five-year transformation roadmap under the aegis of Vihaan.AI, with an ambition to become a world-class airline with an Indian heart. The first phase of this transformation, the taxi phase, was recently concluded and focused on fixing the basics. These included bringing back to service many long-grounded aircraft, the addition of talent across flying and ground functions, rapid upgradation of technology and strengthening of customer care initiatives, amongst others. A member of Star Alliance, the largest global airline consortium of leading international airlines, Air India offers seamless connectivity and facilities to passengers all over the world.
For more information on Air India's services and initiatives, please visit www.airindia.com.
ABOUT MEDAIRE
MedAire, an International SOS company, provides comprehensive medical, security, and operational support solutions for the aviation industry, including commercial airlines, business aviation operators, and superyachts. Established over 35 years ago, MedAire has emerged as an industry leader backed by a strong foundation of expertise and experience. With a reach spanning over 180 airlines – approximately 80% of global air traffic – as well as 4,800 business aviation aircraft and 50% of the world's superyachts, MedAire has demonstrated its capabilities in delivering services to diverse clientele.
At the core of MedAire's offerings are medical equipment, training, and medical and security assistance. The company has developed various innovative solutions, such as specially designed medical kits for non-medical responders, widely used across the aviation industry. In addition, MedAire has established the world's first global response centre for aviation, assuring clients of round-the-clock support in critical situations.
Training and education are critical aspects of MedAire's services, with tailored programmes designed to meet the demands of the aviation and maritime sectors. MedAire's team of experienced medical professionals ensure that clients are equipped with the necessary skills to handle emergencies effectively, contributing immensely to its credibility as a leader in the industry.
PRESS CONTACTS:
Chris Potter, Head of Marketing, Aviation
chris.potter@medaire.com
+1 480 333 3762
Learn more about MedAire's innovative solutions at www.medaire.com.