SkyCare Repatriation, a new air ambulance service, has begun operations from London Biggin Hill Airport this week with a Pilatus PC-12 NGX. The UK company is part of the BM Ambulance Group, which already operates a fleet of 60 ground vehicles carrying patients to and from medical facilities.

The company's PC-12 turboprop single will be deployed for flights within Europe. SkyCare also arranges larger aircraft to transport patients needing to travel longer distances and provide onward ground connections.

“With London recognized as a global hub for medical excellence, we’re delighted to welcome SkyCare Repatriation and its PC-12 NGX air ambulance to the airport,” said Robert Walters, commercial director of London Biggin Hill Airport. “By basing its operations at London Biggin Hill, SkyCare will benefit from our extensive network of resident companies, including an onsite Pilatus service center.”

Biggin Hill is located 12 miles from central London on the southeast side of the UK capital. The airport is a designated port of entry and does not have runway slot constraints since it does not have any scheduled airline traffic. Local operator Castle Air offers a six-minute helicopter transfer to the downtown heliport at Battersea on the Thames River.