Flying Colours Corp. the maintenance, refurbishment and completion specialist, has completed the industry’s first trio of Bombardier Challenger 650 medevac interiors. Number three, under contract from Bombardier Specialized Aircraft, was completed in December and has already arrived at Swiss Air-Rescue Rega’s base in Switzerland alongside the first two aircraft which were completed earlier this year. The third jet replicates the format of the first two cabins and is kitted out to meet the needs of demanding medevac operations.
Working in conjunction with Aerolite, the medical equipment specialists, and the Bombardier Specialized Aircraft team, Flying Colours designed, manufactured and installed the majority of the non-medical monuments, furnishings and interior components. When in full operation the cabin functions as a fully operative Intensive Care Unit for up to two patients with attending medical experts or can be easily configured to support transport of up to four patients. The spacious cabin can also accommodate specialized medical equipment as needed.
To improve the passenger, patient and clinician experience, the cabin design emulates a multi-purpose clinical environment. The calming grey and white interior is accented with red handles and fixings, and significant consideration was given to soundproofing. In the aft section a duo of galleys incorporates Enflite ovens, coffee makers and customized double-width fridges that provide extra space to store medical supplies. A lavatory is also located next to the baggage area with the overall layout ensuring easy egress and access for the patients and medical teams. With reduced noise levels and a practical layout, as well as the Challenger 650 aircraft’s widest-in-class cabin and smooth ride, this air ambulance offers passengers, clinicians and patients a superior flight experience during what can be a stressful time.
The aircraft are instantly recognizable by those needing to identify them at airports around the globe. The Flying Colours dedicated paintwork team completed a striking exterior look featuring a solid red flash across the front portion of the fuselage and a red and white design element on the tail.
“We are extremely pleased with the successful completion of these three incredible aircraft. The intelligently designed interiors ensure crew and clinicians can effectively operate no matter how challenging the environment. Patients and passengers benefit from an extremely comfortable medical environment, which we recognize in some cases will be life-saving. We understand that the first two aircraft are already working hard and that this third and final Challenger 650 aircraft will be a welcome addition to the fleet,” said Sean Gillespie, Executive VP Flying Colours. “It was an exciting project to work on as we completed each aircraft to the highest quality on time and on budget. The complexity and very specific requirements of these aircraft demonstrate the expertise within our special missions team and we look forward to working on similar projects in the near future.”
* Bombardier and Challenger 650 are trademarks of Bombardier Inc. or its subsidiaries.
