Saab signs agreement and invests in air ambulance technology and maintenance

Saab has signed an eight-year agreement with Scandinavian Air Ambulance Holding AB.This means, from the start of next year, Saab will take over responsibility for the Group's technical and maintenance personnel and operations for their helicopters and aircraft. Saab also invests MSEK 25 in Scandinavian Air Ambulance convertibles.

Through the agreement, Saab takes the responsibility to deliver technology and maintenance services to Scandinavian Air Ambulance, allowing them to focus solely on aircraft and helicopters operations from bases throughout Sweden and Finland.

“To strengthen and develop our capability in the field of helicopters further is one of Saab's strategic goals and an important addition to the current activities in the aerospace sector. The agreement is estimated to generate an annual turnover of approximately 50 MSEK during the agreement period”, says Lars-Erik Wige, Senior Vice President Saab and Head of the Support and Services business area.

Today, Scandinavian Air Ambulance performs their missions using a fleet of eight aircraft and seven helicopters. Scandinavian Air Ambulance is the market leader in Sweden within the field of air ambulance services and numbers several of Sweden's county councils and municipalities among their customers. The majority of the contracts are based on long-term agreements. Ambulance helicopters can also be used in Search and Rescue missions (SAR), including air, sea and mountain rescue missions.

“This partnership with Saab is an excellent base for further expansion of the Nordic business venture for Scandinavian Air Ambulance, which after several new agreements in Sweden has their sights set on establishing themselves on the Finnish market. Air ambulance and medical transportation is a rapidly growing business area that will allow us to expand throughout Europe”, says G�ran Persson, Chairman of the Board at Scandinavian Air Ambulance.

Certain conditions must be approved before the agreement becomes valid, such as The Swedish Transport Agency.