Bombardier Defense is expanding its footprint in Germany through an order from the automobile association, Allgemeiner Deutscher Automobil-Club (ADAC), for an air ambulance-configured Challenger 650. ADAC subsidiary Aero-Dienst will operate the large-cabin twinjet for medical transportation of its customers around the world. The Challenger 650 is slated for delivery in 2026.
“The ambulance service of ADAC Versicherung, in cooperation with Aero-Dienst in Nuremberg, has been setting global standards in the field of patient repatriation for more than 50 years,” said Sascha Petzold of ADAC Versicherung’s board. “By investing in a new aircraft, we are reaffirming our commitment to providing our ADAC members and policyholders with first-class services. Thanks to the Challenger 650’s long range, we are able to serve our members worldwide with our own ADAC fleet.”
Petzold added that the 4,000-nm aircraft is a significant step in its strategy to modernize the company’s fleet.
“The Challenger 650 is the best aircraft available for our kind of ambulance operation as the performance fits perfectly to our flight profiles,” added Aero-Dienst managing director Oliver Kosing. “Another important factor for Aero-Dienst is the availability of intensive care medical equipment at the highest level for transportation of up to four patients. Furthermore, the dimensions of the fuselage with its large diameter and standing height enables our med crew to provide the best possible care for patients during flight.”