Evolving Air Fleets

Intensive Care, in the Air

More speed is the need for airborne healthcare provider Guardian Flight, and now it can deliver with the fastest turboprop aircraft in Alaska. The company, part of Global Medical Response Solution, is adding eight Beechcraft King Air 350 aircraft to its statewide operations, including two configured for long-range operations.

Guardian Flight already has Learjet 45s in its fleet, and while those are faster than the turboprop, they aren’t as adaptable to Alaska airstrips.

“Our terrain, weather, and vast distances demand aircraft that can perform at the highest level,” says Matt Philbrick, regional director for Alaska.

Four of the King Air 350s are currently in service, part of Guardian Flight’s fleet of nineteen medically equipped aircraft, including six King Air 200 planes, three Learjet 45s, a Cessna Caravan, and one H125 helicopter.

Compared to the King Air 200, the 350 adds 2,500 pounds to maximum gross takeoff weight, flies about 20 knots faster, and extends range by roughly 700 miles. Advanced de-icing systems ensure reliability in harsh conditions, and the King Air 350 can land on short, unpaved, or gravel runways where Learjets can’t go.

“They’re kinda the Ferrari,” says Jared Sherman, Global Medical Response vice president of operations, of Learjets. “But they couldn’t land on shorter airstrips. Then we have the 200, which is kind of the pickup truck of Alaska when it comes to medevac, but it’s not that fast.” By combining the best qualities, the King Air 350 is a nimbler tool.

When integrated into the fleet, six will be in service and two will be backup. Four are currently stationed in Anchorage, Juneau, Ketchikan, and Sitka. Another will be based in Deadhorse, outfitted with a gravel kit.

The new aircraft are replacing older types that are being retired, Philbrick explains. “So we’re outfitting this base utilizing the same crew members,” he says. Sherman adds that Guardian Flight used to operate a single King Air 350 some years ago, “so there’s some mechanics who still have that knowledge.”

Faster turnaround times for refueling and maintenance mean quicker deployments. “Every minute matters in an emergency,” Sherman emphasizes. “The King Air 350’s faster turnaround times and optimized design mean we can respond more quickly and keep our crews ready for the next call.”

Efficiency is key, as well, for fuel costs. Turboprops get better mileage than jets, so the King Air 350 offers a balance of speed, range, and fuel economy. Those qualities justified procuring the new aircraft in a batch.

“We gain consistency by moving the aircraft through in a structured process,” says Philbrick, “as opposed to having a one-off here, a one-off there, and repeating the process. That consistency lends to efficiency.” He adds that the investment demonstrates that Guardian Flight is committed to Alaska.

Investment in Efficiency

A similar rationale could be heard in the C-suite of Alaska Airlines. The state’s namesake carrier began the year by executing an option to order 105 new Boeing 737-10 narrowbody airliners and five new widebody 787s. The order represents the largest in the airline’s history and secures delivery slots from Boeing while extending the fleet delivery stream through 2035.

“This fleet investment builds on the strong foundation Alaska has created to support steady, scalable, and sustained growth,” says Alaska Air Group CEO Ben Minicucci. “These planes will fuel our expansion to more destinations across the globe and ensure our guests travel aboard the newest, most fuel-efficient and state-of-the-art aircraft. We are incredibly proud to be partnering with Boeing, a Pacific Northwest neighbor and a company that stands as a symbol of American innovation and manufacturing.”

Alaska Airlines flies the youngest fleet of all US airlines, including narrowbody 737-9 and 737-8. The company welcomed its first Boeing 737-8 in late 2023 and anticipated adding about 20 new aircraft every year through 2027. The new order brings Alaska Airlines’ total to 245 Boeing aircraft, in addition to 94 of the 737 MAX aircraft currently operating.

The five additional 787 widebody aircraft support the Alaska Accelerate strategic plan for Alaska Airlines to fly a dozen long-haul international routes from Seattle by 2030. Those international flights will be flashing a new aurora-themed livery, unveiled in January.

While the traditional “Chester” character will continue to smile from the tail of aircraft flying in North America, international flights carry a design interpreting the company’s Seattle-inspired colors of midnight blue and emerald green as the northern lights.

Utilizing a new aircraft painting technique, it took artists nearly 1,000 hours across thirteen days to paint the aircraft exterior from nose to tail.

Minicucci says, “As we transform into the country’s fourth largest global airline, we are proud to introduce a new global livery for the Alaska brand. The design is a tribute to Alaska’s rich history and a reflection of our bold vision for international growth and our commitment to connect the Pacific Northwest to the world.”

Whether the goal is to jet off to an international destination, trust a medical team to expeditiously transport a loved one for medical treatment, or take in Alaska’s splendor via the wicker basket of a hot air balloon, aviation companies are enhancing their fleets to provide travelers with an array of options.