NZ Jet and Orion Aeromedical partnership targets faster medical evacuations

Sofia Ambler, Mat Griffin, John Ambler and Russell Clarke. The Amblers of NZ Jet have formed a partnership with Griffin and Clarke's Orion Aeromedical. Photo / Daniel Hawes

A new partnership involving a local private jet company and Air Force veterans should be able to quickly get help to people sick or injured overseas.

NZ Jet directors John and Sofia Ambler have teamed up with Russell Clarke and Mat Griffin’s Orion Aeromedical.

Griffin told the Herald every case was different but typically involved a person getting unwell or injured overseas.

“If we get a call we can start moving and have people in the air within two hours.”

He and Clarke are Royal New Zealand Air Force veterans with aeromedical backgrounds.

Griffin, based in Auckland, said the NZ Jet Gulfstream G100 and Cessna Citation 560 jets were big factors in the partnership.

The Gulfstream’s range of about 3000 nautical miles (5556km) enabled it to reach Tahiti, Darwin, Papua New Guinea and most South Pacific islands without stopping.

People might be far from home, or far from good healthcare.

“Hopefully they’ve got an insurance policy in place that enables them to get home or to the most appropriate care,” Griffin said.

An insurance company could call Orion Aeromedical and explain the nature of the crisis.

“We do all the background work to make sure they’re fit to fly,” he said.

“There’s lots of planning that goes into place behind one of these missions.”

John and Sofia Ambler, pictured here in 2022, run a private jet company based in Auckland's Ardmore. Photo / Dean Purcell

He said having access to the jets and not having to make multiple stops reduced logistics for moving patients around the world.

“Worldwide, you can become the preferred supplier of different insurance and assistance companies.”

He said insurers and healthcare entities increasingly wanted to work with a single provider that could reduce complexity and improve patient outcomes.

Griffin said private clients were also welcome to call if needed.

Costs would vary according to the medical complaint, level of care needed and distance travelled.

For an aeromedical job, the aircraft interior is reconfigured within an hour or so from its VIP seating layout.

It can then host aeromedical professionals and the new client.

The companies said the partnership would give New Zealand world-class aeromedical capability.

NZ Jet says it has expanded its fleet with a Gulfstream G100. Photo / Supplied

They said the Gulfstream G100 was widely regarded as the preferred platform for international aeromedical providers.

The jet can cruise as fast as 890km/h.

“Its performance enables faster mobilisation and seamless single-platform transfers, reducing clinical risk and eliminating the need for multiple fuel stops.”

They said the Citation 560 was a proven, versatile aircraft capable of performing domestic and regional missions.

NZ Jet and Orion said the partnership would help New Zealand compete in a fast-growing global market.

John Ambler will be Orion Aeromedical’s director of aviation.

“The Gulfstream G100 has already proven itself on demanding global aeromedical missions, like Manila to Toronto, and with Orion Aeromedical, we’re now able to deliver a truly integrated end-to-end solution,” he said.

He said NZ Jet was proud to be able to operate globally.

“And it’s only the beginning as we look to expand the fleet.”

He and Sofia last year added the G100 to the NZ Jet company fleet.

The couple last year said buying the Gulfstream during a challenging economic environment was a big decision, but they were happy with the decision.

The Amblers also built up Heletranz, growing its fleet from two helicopters to 13 and merging it with Inflite Group.

The helicopter company met demand for VIP private services.

John Weekes is a business journalist covering aviation and courts. He previously covered consumer affairs, crime, politics and courts.

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