Canada's Oldest Air Ambulance, Life Flight International, Establishes New Base at YXC

The Canadian Rockies International Airport (YXC) has become the new operational base for Life Flight International Inc., Canada's oldest air ambulance company. The international medical transport provider officially relocated from Vancouver to the Cranbrook, British Columbia, area on January 28. This strategic move is expected to yield significant cost savings for clients requiring international patient transfers.

Operational and Economic Shift

Life Flight International's decision to move was largely driven by economics. The company previously incurred between $8,000 and $10,000 in repositioning fees while based in Vancouver. Moving its operational hub to the East Kootenay region eliminates these substantial costs, benefiting those who rely on travel insurance to cover their flights.

"Generally, there’s an economic benefit," said company owner Chris Connor. He noted the move also supports the local economy in Cranbrook. Staff wages and support for local aviation businesses will provide a positive economic benefit to the community. Life Flight International has maintained a presence in the Cranbrook area since 2021. The company will still run flights from Vancouver, but YXC is now the official aviation operational base.

Fleet and Specialized Services

Life Flight International operates a two-aircraft fleet from a hangar at the Canadian Rockies International Airport (YXC). The fleet consists of a Cheyenne 400 turboprop and a Lear 36 jet. The Cheyenne 400 is utilized for its ability to land at airports with shorter runways, offering greater flexibility. The Lear 36 is the primary asset for long-range international patient transfers. Its impressive 3,000 nautical mile range allows for non-stop flights on long routes, such as from Puerto Vallarta to Vancouver. The Learjet 36 is a variant of the Learjet 35, known for its extra fuel capacity for extended range.

The company, founded in 1990 by Connor's mother, a critical care nurse, specializes in transporting sick or injured Canadian travelers back home for treatment. This includes aiding travelers who have suffered heart attacks, injuries, and pregnant women who have given birth abroad.

• Life Flight is the only air ambulance company on the West Coast of Canada to offer neo-natal and infant transfers.

Staffing and Growth

The move to YXC is accompanied by a significant hiring push. Life Flight currently employs 11 part-time local medical staff, including nurses, doctors, paramedics, and respiratory therapists. The company plans to expand this team to 25 staff members. They are actively recruiting medical personnel who live within an hour's drive of the YXC airport. Interested applicants can find career information through the International SOS website, as reported by the company.

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