The global air ambulance services market is expected to grow at a CAGR of around 9.5% from 2020 to 2027 and expected to reach the market value of around US$ 9,275.5 Mn by 2027.

During life-threatening emergencies, air ambulances are used to transport critically ill patients quickly. Air ambulances, like traditional ground ambulances, are outfitted with medical equipment and staffed by medical professionals. Air ambulances are widely thought to improve the chances of survival and recovery for both trauma victims and other patients in critical condition. Air ambulances fill a critical gap in some rural areas that lack advanced-care facilities such as trauma centres, providing patients with timely access to the treatment they require. The use of air ambulances allows for the improvement of patient care and outcomes. Because of their ability to land at accident sites and quickly fly to nearby hospitals, air ambulances increase the likelihood of patients receiving needed care within the "golden hour”. Air ambulance transfers, unlike other aviation and medical services, are typically performed in response to time-sensitive medical emergencies and are not pre-scheduled. Patients frequently lack the ability to make cost-cutting decisions prior to transport, such as ensuring that the air ambulance provider participates in the patient's insurance plan. According to the American Medical Association's (AMA) data, it is estimated that more than 550,000 patients in the United States use air ambulance services each year. In addition, air ambulance services have grown significantly in recent years.

Market Drivers

Rising prevalence of life threatening diseases requiring emergency medical response propels the growth of the global air ambulance services market

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) Antibiotic Resistance Threats in the United States, 2019 report includes the most recent national death and infection estimates, highlighting the ongoing threat of antibiotic resistance in the United States. According to the report's estimates, more than 2.8 million antibiotic-resistant infections occur in the United States each year, with more than 35,000 people dying as a result. Dedicated prevention and infection control efforts in the United States reduced antibiotic-resistant infection deaths by 18% overall and by nearly 30% in hospitals. The air ambulance service is intended to assist people who are suffering from life-threatening illnesses or injuries such as heart attacks, pregnancy complications, severe breathing difficulties, strokes, and traumatic injuries to the chest, pelvic, or joints. The LifeNet air ambulance, for example, is a Eurocopter (EC) 135 twin-engine aircraft. This is the same plane that currently provides about a quarter of all emergency medical service flights in the world.

Air ambulance services have a positive impact on the global market in response to COVID-19 pandemic

According to a report released by Air Ambulances UK, air Ambulance Kent Surrey Sussex (KSS) has announced that it will be expanding its role at the frontlines of the coronavirus pandemic response. KSS recently received an outstanding CQC rating, with outstanding ratings in all five of its inspection key lines of enquiry. It is the first Helicopter Emergency Medical Service to receive this highest rating across the board. KSS serves 4.8 million people in Kent, Surrey, and Sussex, as well as those who travel through the area, making it one of the busiest services in the UK.  Its crews of pilots, doctors, and paramedics fly more than 2,500 missions per year, and it was the first and only UK Air Ambulance to operate its helicopters 24 hours a day, seven days a week. KSS is a registered charity, and 89% of the more than US$14 million needed to sustain the service each year is raised through public donations and fundraising.  The charity is currently facing increased costs as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic, as well as a decrease in income as a result of the cancellation of crucial fundraising events.

Government involvement and initiatives bolster the growth of global air ambulance services market

According to a report released by the Crown copyright in July 2019, nine air ambulance charities in England received a total of US$12,878 Mn in funding. Air ambulance charities will benefit from new equipment and improved facilities as a result of the funding. The new and improved facilities will include immersive simulator suites that will allow paramedics to train alongside other emergency services, as well as a dedicated wellbeing area for staff to debrief after serious incidents, as well as a place to recuperate and sleep after difficult missions. In February, the department issued a request for proposals for charities seeking funding. The 18 air ambulance charities in England were invited to submit bids of up to US$2,417.5 Mn for projects to improve their facilities.

Market Segmentation

The global air ambulance service market is segmented based on type and service model. By type, the market is bifurcated into rotary-wing and fixed-wing. By service model, the market is classified into hospital-based and community-based.

In terms of type, the rotary-wing segment is expected to dominate the market during the forecast period. Rotary-wing helicopters are commonly used in the market for air ambulance services. The main benefits of helicopter-based air ambulance services are their low cost and quick response time. Helicopters are used to transport patients in emergency situations, especially when a quick response time is required.

In terms of service model, the hospital-based segment is expected to dominate the market during the forecast period. A hospital typically provides a medical team and collaborates with an aviation service provider for aircraft, pilots, and mechanics in a hospital-based service model. The aviation service provider must have a Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) certificate and is compensated by the hospital for the service model they provide.

Regional Overview

North America is expected to have a dominant market share in the air ambulance services market in the coming years. This is due to increased insurance coverage for air ambulance services and increased adoption of air medical transport services. This is one of the major factors driving the growth of the global air ambulance services market.

Asia Pacific, on the other hand, is expected to have the fastest growing CAGR in the coming years. Rising adoption of advanced health care infrastructure to make health care system experiences safer and less taxing, as well as an increase in the number of multispecialty hospitals are factors driving the global air ambulance services market's growth.

Competitive Landscape

The prominent players involved in the global air ambulance services market are Envision Healthcare, Falck A/S, Air Methods Corporation, The Acadians, AirMed International, LLC, Express Aviation Services LLC, Lifeguard Air Ambulance, and among others

Market Segmentation

Market By Type

Rotary-wing
Fixed-wing

Market By Service Model

Hospital-based
Community-based

Market By Geography

North America
•    U.S.
•    Canada

Europe
•    U.K.
•    Germany
•    France
•    Spain
•    Rest of Europe

Asia-Pacific
•    China
•    Japan
•    India
•    Australia
•    South Korea
•    Rest of Asia-Pacific

Latin America
•    Brazil 
•    Mexico
•    Rest of Latin America

Middle East & Africa
•    GCC
•    South Africa
•    Rest of Middle East & Africa

TABLE OF CONTENT