Why We Use the Pilatus PC-12 for Medical Flights
Reliable Air Ambulance Aircraft — Pilatus PC-12
Pilatus PC-12 Air Ambulance – Trusted, Efficient, and Ideal for European Repatriation
The Pilatus PC-12 is one of SkyCare’s most trusted medical aircraft, frequently used for air ambulance repatriation missions across Europe. Its wide cargo door and spacious pressurised cabin make it ideal for larger or bariatric patients, and for carrying full ICU setups and specialist medical equipment.
Unlike small jets, the PC-12 allows direct, low-level loading from ground ambulances — reducing handling and making it much more comfortable for patients with complex or fragile needs.
This aircraft is particularly effective for:
- ICU or ventilated patients requiring bed-to-bed care
- Bariatric patients or those with mobility limitations
- Repatriation from regional airports near major hospitals
- Families and insurers seeking a balance of speed, access and value
Note: While the PC-12 can access smaller airfields for air ambulance flights, commercial medical flights must still use airports with full fire cover and immigration facilities. For those journeys, we arrange scheduled flights via major hubs.
All SkyCare air ambulances are staffed by critical care teams and stocked with hospital-grade equipment. The Pilatus PC-12 is our go-to aircraft for virtually all missions under 1,500 nautical miles — including London to Turkey with a scheduled fuel stop. It offers reliability, patient comfort, and advanced medical capability without the high cost or infrastructure demands of a jet.
Get a cost estimate or talk to our medical team about whether the PC-12 is right for your case.
Unmatched Safety & Performance – Pilatus PC-12 Medical Air Ambulance
When it comes to air ambulance and medical repatriation, safety is paramount. The Pilatus PC-12 air ambulance is a world-renowned aircraft, trusted for its exceptional reliability, advanced safety features, and versatility in reaching destinations many jets cannot. Engineered for diverse weather conditions, high-altitude operations, and short runways, the PC-12 delivers a smooth, stable, and medically secure journey for patients and critical care crews alike.
Built for Stability and Patient Comfort in Air Ambulance Missions
The Pilatus PC-12 is a preferred choice for air ambulance repatriation due to its single turboprop engine — renowned for fuel efficiency, mechanical reliability, and smooth performance. Unlike jets, turboprops offer greater stability at lower cruising altitudes, reducing turbulence and enhancing in-flight comfort — critical for transporting critically ill or vulnerable patients.
Low-Vibration Flight: Advanced aerodynamics and engine technology minimise vibration and cabin noise, creating a calmer environment for ongoing medical care.
Pressurised Cabin for Medical Stability: The fully pressurised, climate-controlled cabin allows our medical crews to maintain consistent oxygen levels, temperature, and pressure — safeguarding patients throughout their journey.

Unrivalled Safety Features – Pilatus PC-12 Air Ambulance
The PC-12 is one of the safest aircraft in its class, with an exceptional track record in the global air ambulance and medical repatriation sector. Purpose-built for medevac missions, it features redundant safety systems that ensure the aircraft remains stable and secure — even in the rare event of a mechanical issue.
Proven Air Ambulance Safety Record: The Pilatus PC-12 is widely acknowledged as one of the world’s safest single-engine turboprop aircraft, with millions of flight hours logged in both aeromedical transport and commercial use.
Short-Field Take-off & Landing Capability: Unlike larger air ambulance jets, the PC-12 can safely land on short runways and remote regional airports — often closer to hospitals — reducing the need for long ground ambulance transfers.

Air Ambulance Aircraft for Critical Medical Missions
The Pilatus PC-12 is trusted by military forces, emergency services, and specialist air ambulance operators worldwide thanks to its robust design and proven versatility. With performance tested in extreme environments — from alpine landings to remote terrain — this aircraft delivers dependable performance in critical missions.
At SkyCare Repatriation, we’ve chosen the Pilatus PC-12 because it meets the highest benchmarks for air ambulance safety, medical reliability, and patient care. Whether flying a critically ill ICU patient or managing a stable medical repatriation, the PC-12 ensures a smooth, medically secure journey, every time.

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Accreditations
AOC (Air operator certificate) #2480

British Business & General Aviation Association

European Business Aviation Association
