COLUMBUS, OH, October 24, 2023 – SKYTRAC (SKYTRAC Systems Ltd), a global leader in satellite communications (satcom) and intelligent connectivity solutions, today announced that Carson Air, a leading provider of fixed-wing air ambulance services in British Columbia, has selected SKYTRAC’s Iridium Certus SDL-350 broadband L-band satellite system onboard their fleet of King Air 360 aircraft.
The system will enable powerful capabilities to improve pilot situational awareness while also aiding flight paramedics to provide better care through liaising with medical professionals via inflight internet, video conferencing, and voice communications. The integration of the SDL-350 will be conducted by special mission integrator and interior modifications firm, HeliMods.
SKYTRAC’s SDL-350 satellite communications terminal will replace multiple onboard systems, greatly reducing size, weight, and power consumption onboard the modified King Air 360s. With SKYTRAC’s Iridium Certus system, Carson Air’s fleet will gain powerful capabilities such as truly global satellite connectivity, medical data transfer, telemedicine video conferencing, EFB connectivity, and engine and flight data acquisition.
With the successful integration of the SDL-350, Carson Air will be well-equipped with future-proof onboard technology, providing safe and efficient service as part of their recently awarded long-term contract with the Province of British Columbia providing fixed-wing BCEHS medevac coverage for all of BC.
“With Carson Air’s recent contract award, it was clear that we needed future-proof technology that aids us in becoming more efficient, responsive, and ultimately, provide better care to patients while inflight,” said Kevin Hillier, President, Carson Air. “Once we became aware of SKYTRAC’s SDL-350, it was clear that it was the best path forward for both our flight operations and medical teams.”
With the addition of new aircraft and systems onboard their fleet, Carson Air opted to select HeliMods to complete their medical interior upgrades.
“At HeliMods, we pride ourselves on our ability to deliver complex, multifaceted aircraft and interior upgrades for our global customer base,” said Will Shrapnel, Founder and Managing Director, HeliMods. “We’re always seeking the latest technologies for our partners, and SKYTRAC’s SDL-350 will seamlessly integrate with onboard systems to provide the latest capabilities for Carson Air’s growing fleet and mission requirements. We look forward to the completion of this exciting project.”
Visit SKYTRAC at Booth 704 from October 23 to October 25 at AMTC in Columbus, Ohio to learn more about SKYTRAC’s air medical capabilities and communication systems or visit www.skytrac.ca.
About SKYTRAC Systems Ltd.
SKYTRAC is aviation’s full-service, data-driven solutions provider serving the fixed-wing, rotorcraft, and unmanned aviation markets. Since 1986, SKYTRAC has pioneered the development, evolution and commercialization of flight following, flight data, and communications technology. Today, with systems certified on over 900 airframes and an online data management portal that is the go-to tool for over 7,500 global users, SKYTRAC is truly the partner of choice for data-guided business insights. From performance trending and operations reporting to real-time asset tracking and situational awareness – SKYTRAC offers a one-stop response to meeting more of your company’s needs. For more information, please visit www.SKYTRAC.ca.
About Carson Air
Founded in 1990, Carson Air is the primary provider of fixed wing air ambulance services in BC. Carson Air was acquired by Exchange Income Corporation in 2021. Carson Air provides fixed wing air ambulance services, air cargo services, and operates a flight school. These services are collectively provided from its three bases in Kelowna, B.C., Vancouver, B.C., and Calgary, AB. For more information, please visit www.carsonair.com.
About HeliMods
HeliMods was founded in 2002 by Australian entrepreneur, Will Shrapnel – a qualified engineer, pilot, aircraft technician and businessman. What started as a one-man operation has grown to now become a technology and collaboration focused enterprise, with world-leading capability in advanced digital design, production, certification, integration and support of aircraft mission systems. For more information, please visit www.helimods.com.
