SNF bolsters Greece’s National Center for Emergency Care (EKAV) air ambulance services with an additional aircraft

Following SNF’s support to Greece’s National Center for Emergency Care (EKAV) for the procurement of four air ambulances—two helicopters and two airplanes—the Stavros Niarchos Foundation (SNF) announced a new grant for the procurement of an additional Beechcraft King Air 360C airplane to further strengthen the capabilities of the country’s air ambulance services.

The grants for these five aircraft, totaling $41.6 million, are part of SNF’s Global Health Initiative (GHI)

With the addition of the new airplane, the five aircraft include two fully outfitted Augusta Westland 109 Trekker helicopters, two Beechcraft King Air 350C airplanes, and one Beechcraft King Air 360C airplane. All are in service helping ensure that ill and injured patients receive immediate safe air transport from remote areas of the country to central locations in Greece and Europe to receive the urgent care they need. The new aircraft will be used exclusively for the purpose of enhancing EKAV’s services in emergency pre-hospital and medical care for all. It will also offer the most up-to-date medical equipment for EKAV’s specialized air ambulance staff of flying doctors, rescuers, and nurses. From spring 2021, the four aircraft—two helicopters and two airplanes—already in service have carried out nearly 3,000 air transports, contributing actively to protecting lives.

Taking health care access

to new heights

Acknowledging the vital work that has been carried out using the aircraft that we provided to EKAV four years ago and recognizing the need for additional support for air ambulance services, we are pleased to reinforce the fleet of the National Center for Emergency Care with an additional aircraft, This epitomizes the vision of SNF’s Global Health Initiative (GHI) to ensure access to quality health services for all, regardless of geographical or other constraints.

Andreas Dracopoulos

SNF Co-President

Implementation of the grant was carried out in collaboration with the Hellenic Ministry of Health, which owns the aircraft; EKAV, which uses them; and the Hellenic Air Force, which assists in their flight operation. This new grant continues SNF’s longstanding support for EKAV with logistics equipment, including procurement of 143 terrestrial ambulances in 2017.

Learn more about the grant to EKAV