Global air ambulance demand spurs profits at FAI

Soaring global demand for air ambulance services in 2015 helped German business aircraft services provider FAI rent-a-jet to record profitability.

The Nuremberg-based company – one of Europe’s largest business aircraft operators – saw revenues climb nearly 9% to €80 million ($87 million) last year. Air ambulance services accounted for €41.7 million – up from €30.4 million during the previous 12 months, due to a 37% increase in activity levels.

“In 2015, FAI's dedicated fleet of air ambulances performed 747 missions to 400 destinations in 125 countries,” it says. “In total the fleet flew around 3.7 million km, which is the equivalent of flying approximately 100 times around the globe."

Germany's Axtmann Holding took full ownership of FAI last year following the exit of its cash-strapped Greek partner, MIG Aviation Holdings.

FAI Rent-a-Jet

Revenues from its special mission services operation, which FAI runs on behalf of undisclosed non-governmental organisations worldwide, climbed by 24% during 2015 to €22 million, compared with €17.8 million the previous year.

With a fleet of 20 Bombardier business jets, spanning the long-range Global Express to the Learjet 35 light twin, FAI is the second largest business aircraft operator in Germany after Luxaviation. It also boasts the world's biggest inventory of Learjet 60s, with nine of the midsize type in its lineup.