Global Helicopter Service (GHS) has signed its first call-off contract with the European Defence Agency (EDA) to provide a civilian tactical air evacuation service for the Belgian Defence deployment to Niger, as of 1 January.

The contract was awarded after competitive tender within the framework agreement with EDA for the provision of a Beech 1900D configured with ICU standard medevac equipment and personnel, based in Niamey.

GHS and its partners Mali AOC holder Sahel Aviation Service and Iqarus Medical have formed a team to supply this air medevac capability, which will be available 24 hours a day, seven days a week and includes the clinical capability of one medical team in the Beech 1900D capable of carrying two stretcher-borne and six sitting patients, all of which will receive medical supervision during the flight.

GHS CEO Dominik Goldfuss says: “We are very pleased to have been chosen by the EDA for Niger. Our entire team is looking forward to this new challenge and to grow the relationship with the EDA. This new contract is the perfect start to 2020 for us, and we look forward to providing other helicopter and fixed-wing aeromedical services during the year.”