The Saudi Red Crescent Authority (SRCA) took delivery in December of an Airbus A318 as part of the expansion of its air support capabilities. At present, the expansion targets about 35 aircraft in total. The Airbus A318, which will initially be operated for the SRCA by Perfect Aviation of Portugal, will serve in a medical evacuation (MedEvac) role, including the transport of injured persons to hospitals - both within Saudi Arabia and elsewhere in the Middle East. “Our Airbus A318 will be able to carry more passengers than traditional corporate jets, and the larger space that its cabin provides will also make it easier for doctors and nurses to attend to patients. It has a superior underfloor cargo capacity, which will allow the SRCA to carry relief equipment and first-aid supplies to disaster areas,” said Saudi Red Crescent Authority CEO Dr Mowaffag Albayouk. “MedEvac and relief transport is obviously the main objective, but some of our larger aircraft, such as the A318, will have other capabilities, such as serving as airborne command centers during crisis scenarios, rapid transport of senior EMS personnel.”
