JEDDAH: The Saudi Red Crescent Authority is preparing to launch the first air-ambulance service for the 2010 Haj season with five aircraft to carry sick or injured people to hospitals. Preparations are under way to establish landing pads at the holy sites, said Ahmad Rayan Barayan, director of the Information Administration in the Red Crescent Authority. Barayan stressed that the air-ambulance service will provide around-the-clock service to handle critical cases and accidents. He said air ambulances currently serve Riyadh, Jeddah and the roads leading to Makkah.