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.

Fully equipped SkyCare stretcher and intensive care medical equipment for air ambulance flights from Spain.

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.

SkyCare team and air ambulance fleet providing professional medical repatriation and patient care across the UK and internationally.

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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What our clients say.

Hardik Desai Image
Hardik Desai

Airport-to-Hospital Medical Transfer in London

Straightforward and genuine. Craig helped us get our mum safely from the airport to the hospital. Highly recommended.

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Rehan

Commercial Medical Escort from Boston, MA to London

SkyCare made a complex overseas transfer from Boston to London feel effortless. Craig and Sarah were outstanding — calm, professional, and always in touch. They handled everything, from visas to flight logistics, with genuine care and attention. The costs were very reasonable, but it was their empathy and support for both patient and family that made all the difference. I can’t recommend them enough.

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Paul Trent

Vietnam to London — Medical Repatriation by SkyCare.

Fantastic professional company. We couldn’t have done this without them. My friend suffered a stroke and was paralysed on the right side. Due to a technicality, his insurance wouldn’t cover repatriation, so we had to go private. If anyone is ever in the same position, I wouldn’t hesitate to recommend SkyCare. They made a stressful situation feel manageable, and I’m so grateful for their calm, capable support throughout.

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Jane Martin

France to UKSki Injury Repatriation by SkyCare.

Fantastic service. I was repatriated from France after a skiing accident with multiple injuries. We contacted Craig at 4am and by 10pm I was home — ground ambulance, air ambulance, and ground ambulance again. Everything went smoothly with incredible medical care and kindness. After two miserable weeks in hospital, I finally felt safe and supported. I cannot thank SkyCare enough and wouldn’t hesitate to recommend them.

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Rob Campbell

Vietnam to London — Stroke Repatriation by SkyCare.

Amazing team of people. My brother had a stroke in Vietnam and the insurance company were useless. SkyCare guided me through the process, sorted everything out, and got him safely home. The whole team were fantastic, but special thanks to the medical crew — Adam and Sarah — who flew out and did an incredible job. I can’t recommend SkyCare enough for their calm, professional help in such a difficult time.

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Lisa Image
Lisa

UK to Malaysia — Long-Haul Medical Repatriation by SkyCare.

If you’re in the UK looking for a repatriation company, I couldn’t recommend SkyCare enough. They arranged medical transport for my dad from London to Kuala Lumpur — a 12-hour flight. From my first message, they responded quickly and handled all documents and approvals efficiently. Huge thanks to Craig for making everything smooth and to Nurse Nav for caring for my dad the whole way home.

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Jason and George

Spain to UKStroke Repatriation by SkyCare.

SkyCare were brilliant with us, helping to bring my dad home to England after he suffered a stroke in Spain. From the moment we reached out to the day of the repatriation itself, the entire team showed professionalism, compassion, and expertise. We felt fully supported and reassured throughout the process. Thank you to everyone involved — I wouldn’t hesitate to recommend SkyCare to anyone in a similar situation.

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Pete McNair

Las Palmas to UK — Air Ambulance Repatriation by SkyCare.

Thank you to Craig and Ben for organising our return home from Las Palmas. My dad was extremely anxious about the process, but everything ran so smoothly at every stage. Mum is now safe in Maidstone Hospital, and she’s just happy to be somewhere she can easily communicate. The whole experience was calm, compassionate, and professional — we really appreciate everything SkyCare did to make it seamless.

— Pete McNair (via email)

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Chez Gourcilloux

France to UK — COVID-Era Medical Repatriation by SkyCare.

From first contact to the final update confirming safe arrival, SkyCare’s care and coordination were second to none. They handled all COVID testing, documents, and border requirements with professionalism and warmth. Repatriating two elderly parents during a pandemic was daunting, but they made the process seamless — even providing journey tracking door to door. Their genuine care and clear communication reassured us at every stage. I highly recommend SkyCare for compassionate international patient transfers.

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Jayne May, Spain to UK

Cannot thank the team at BM Ambulance enough for getting my Dad home from Spain. Craig/Sarah/James/Emma & Danny were all absolutely amazing. It was a huge 24 hour journey and they made Mum & Dad feel comfortable and safe the entire way. I don’t think my Dad would have made it without your help. He’s still not in the best of health but at least we have him home. We definitely could not have done this without you. Thank you all involved. Amazing people offering a fantastic service. x

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Sabe Karunananthan

BM Ambulance Service helped my son get home after he fell ill in France. They were fantastic from the start to finish. I do hope we never have to go through this again but if you are unfortunate enough to need this, I would highly recommend.

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Lisa Evans

I would have given more than 5 stars if I could have. A big thank you to Craig, Sarah and John for the safe delivery of our much loved mum, mother in law, Nan and great grandmother from Spain after suffering a stroke.

Accreditations

AOC (Air operator certificate) #2480

SkyCare Repatriation proud members of BBGA

British Business & General Aviation Association

SkyCare Repatriation proud members of European Business Aviation Association

European Business Aviation Association

National Business Aviation Association

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