Portugal's Emergency Helicopters Reach 1,000 Flight Hours Milestone

Portugal's emergency helicopter fleet has now clocked 1,000 operational flight hours since Gulf Med Aviation Services took over the Instituto Nacional de Emergência Médica (INEM) helicopter transport service in July 2025. The milestone was reached on March 22, 2026, at 10:20, during a routine transfer mission—a 49-year-old patient evacuated from Alcoutim in the eastern Algarve to Faro Hospital, with the aircraft landing at 11:07.

The Milestone Achievement

Since assuming operations on July 1, 2025, the fleet has completed 639 missions and transported 387 patients. The service operates four Airbus H145 D3 helicopters from bases across the country, providing round-the-clock emergency medical transport.

About the Service Change

The transition to Gulf Med's operation introduced 24/7 helicopter coverage using four identical aircraft, replacing the previous arrangement where night coverage relied on military support and daytime service was contracted separately. The Airbus H145 D3 helicopters are equipped to transport nine people including medical crew.

Gulf Med's CEO Simon J. Camilleri commented on the achievement, emphasizing the commitment to service and the proficiency of teams operating the aircraft that are purpose-built for medical evacuation.

INEM's Emergency Role

The helicopter service supports INEM's mission to provide rapid medical response across Portugal's regions. The aircraft are deployed for emergencies across urban and remote areas where ground transport alone may not be optimal. The fleet represents a core component of Portugal's emergency medical infrastructure, working alongside ground ambulances and emergency departments nationwide.

The 1,000-hour milestone confirms operational readiness and the maturity of the service infrastructure as it continues to support emergency response across the country.