SAS plans A320neo replacement for medevac Boeing after aiding over 2,000 patients

SAS's medevac operations have been significant not only during the ongoing conflict but also in past events like the Indian Ocean tsunami in 2004 and evacuation missions from Afghanistan. The aircraft has been recently used to transport wounded soldiers and critically ill patients from Rzeszow Jasionka Airport near the Polish border to various European hospitals.

SAS's CEO highlighted that their medevac operations are unique within Europe and possibly worldwide. The converted Boeing 737-700 features 18 beds, 39 seats, and an intensive care unit section. "The purpose is much greater than just flying. This is about contribution to humanity," van der Werff added.

Flight data indicates that as recently as December 11, the aircraft operated several flights between Oslo Gardermoen Airport, Rzeszow, Paris Orly Airport, Leipzig Halle Airport, and back to Oslo.

Looking ahead to March 8 next year, SAS plans to replace its current medevac aircraft with an Airbus A320neo under a new agreement with Forsvarets sanitet. Paul Verhagen, SAS's chief commercial officer, mentioned that this new agreement builds on years of joint assignments globally. "Contributing to the safe transport of citizens across the world when crisis strikes is a responsibility we do not take lightly," Verhagen said.

The transition to an A320neo aims to continue supporting time-critical medevac operations while providing environmental benefits once its interior design is finalized for conversion into a flying hospital.