Specialised aviation services diversification way to go

Centric Air Ambulance CEO, Peter Nduati.

Earlier this year, Kenya scored highly on a safety audit conducted by the International Civil Aviation Organisation (ICAO), with a mean score of 78 per cent.

This was an improvement from a mean score of 66 per cent in 2008. The score was significant of the growth in the aviation sector in Kenya since the maiden flight at the Maktaun strip in Kenya’s Taita Taveta County.

Since then, the aviation sector has witnessed tremendous growth owing to increased tourism.

This has, in turn, fueled an upsurge in domestic flights and international flights. The growth of the aviation sector in Kenya has necessitated diversifications in the services provided by air transport such as the introduction of aeromedical services.

Such services have come at a time when emergency services are in high demand due to the huge population and the need for specialised emergency response, thus the birth of aeromedical evacuation.

The history of African aeromedical service dates back to 1957 when the Flying Doctors in East Africa was established. Aeromedical service in South Africa started in 1976. Since then, multiple non-profit and private organisations have developed. In West Africa, Nigeria Flying Doctors’ establishment dates back to mid-2000.

Today, aeromedical evacuation services have saved millions of lives across Africa as they bring a world of rapid response benefits to those in need of emergency services. More firms are investing in modern and specially equipped aircraft that can accommodate patients with any illness or injury that ensures higher survival rates for patients.

Potential clients

It is estimated that there are over 15,000 aeromedical evacuations from Africa annually, which collectively cost more than Sh37.8 billion (£300m) thus the need for the specialised service across the continent.

It also shows immense potential for the aeromedical sector as a whole. There is a huge demand for improved and standard aeromedical service from foreign investors.

Although awareness levels are low in Kenya, it is up to industry stakeholders to educate potential clients on the benefits aeromedical evacuation services can bring to people’s lives.

The need for more specialised and effective medical solutions is on the rise and so is the aeromedical industry. The industry is taking shape though it still has a long way to go. 

-The writer is the CEO of Centric Air Ambulance