Staff Writer
Medical Rescue Africa (MRA), a subsidiary of Westair Aviation, has launched its new air ambulance, the Beechcraft King Air 350i.
The aircraft is equipped with advanced medical evacuation facilities, marking a major step forward in Namibia’s emergency response capability.
The launch event brought together industry stakeholders, partners, and representatives from organisations that have supported the development of Namibia’s medical evacuation infrastructure.
“A service like this is never needed until it is needed – and then it must be available, safe, and reliable,” said Westair Aviation CEO Henri van Schalkwyk.
“The King Air 350 provides the highest standards of safety, capability, and medical care. With the support of our clients and partners, we are ensuring that Namibia remains a leader in aeromedical response services in Africa.”
The Beechcraft King Air 350i offers performance, range, and reliability combined with a spacious platform that can accommodate two stretchers and advanced life-support systems. It can operate from unpaved runways and features modern avionics and extended range for responding to emergencies in remote or difficult locations.
Each MRA aircraft, including the King Air, is fitted with an approved Med-Pac system and staffed by specialised medical crews.
All flight operations meet the Basic Aviation Risk Standard (BARS), Oil and Gas Producer Standards (IOGP), and United Nations Aviation Standards (UNAVS).
“With a strong focus on patient safety, innovation, and rapid response, MRA continues to set the benchmark for emergency medical services in Namibia,” the company said.
“By leveraging cutting-edge medical equipment and a highly skilled workforce, including paramedics, emergency physicians, and aviation experts, MRA provides trusted critical care transport solutions throughout Namibia and beyond.”
Westair Aviation has over 25 years of experience in aeromedical response, with operational bases in Windhoek, Walvis Bay, Oranjemund, Lüderitz, Senegal, and Mozambique.
Its 24/7 Emergency Response Centre in Windhoek manages a fleet that includes intensive care road ambulances, Advanced Life Support (ALS) rapid response vehicles, fixed-wing air ambulances, and helicopters for offshore and emergency missions.
Van Schalkwyk thanked key clients for their commitment to maintaining Namibia’s emergency medical systems.
“It is our collective responsibility to maintain and support the infrastructure of a world-class medical evacuation service,” he said.
“The team at MRA not only runs an exceptional response business but also lives with compassion, going above and beyond to save lives. This new aircraft is a symbol of what we can achieve together for Namibia.”
Caption
The King Air 350 will be used in aeromedical response services.
Photo: Medical Rescue Africa
