Latest News
Hangar secured, plane purchased for on-island air ambulance services on Grand Manan
June 14, 2024
Grand Manan – Ambulance New Brunswick (ANB) and the village of Grand Manan are pleased to share the latest developments regarding on-island air ambulance services on Grand Manan, with a plane now purchased and an agreement in place to construct dedicated hangar space for the aircraft.
“Having a plane based on Grand Manan to provide access to emergency health services has been a priority for the Village,” says Grand Manan Mayor Bonnie Morse. “Building the hangar is tangible proof of our commitment and ensures that this facility will be available for that service for years to come.”
In February 2024, Ambulance New Brunswick (ANB) – in partnership with the Department of Health and Grand Manan Village Council – announced the signing of a contract with Voyageur Aviation that will see an air ambulance stationed on the island of Grand Manan by September 2024. With today’s announcement, the Village of Grand Manan has secured the location and general contractor for a new hangar, an important step in the road towards establishing a dedicated air ambulance on the island.
“The Department of Health recognizes the importance of having a sustainable air ambulance service for residents of Grand Manan,” says Health Minister Bruce Fitch. “We are committed to supporting EM/ANB in the delivery of this critical service, and the construction of this hangar brings the return of air ambulance services one step closer to reality for local residents.”
The design of the hangar has been finalized and Lindsay Construction have been engaged for its construction, which is expected to take place from July to September. The hangar will be built on available land at the Grand Manan airport and will be owned by the Village of Grand Manan.
The construction of the hangar will be financed by the Village of Grand Manan. Once completed, ANB will rent the hangar, giving the Village an opportunity for additional revenue for years to come.
“This is an important step towards a long-term, sustainable air ambulance service on the island of Grand Manan,” says Jean-Pierre Savoie, Vice President of Operations for ANB. “We are encouraged by this recent progress and join in the Department of Health and the Village of Grand Manan in celebrating this milestone.”
The King Air 200 plane, which will act as Grand Manan’s dedicated air ambulance, has also been secured by Voyageur Aviation, the air ambulance provider contracted by Ambulance New Brunswick. The plane is currently undergoing preparations, including reformatting the plane’s interior which will enable it to operate as an air ambulance in preparation for September. The new plane will mirror the provincial program’s existing planes and will be equipped with the same avionics and capability.
---
Media Contacts:
Eric Robichaud, Senior Communications Advisor, eric.robichaud@medavienb.ca
Sean Hatchard, Communications Officer, Department of Health, sean.hatchard@gnb.ca