Report Overview

Global air ambulance services market size - Industry Trends & Forecast Report 2027

The global air ambulance services market was worth USD 5.0 Billion in 2020 and is further projected to reach USD 8.8 Billion by 2027, at a CAGR of 7.9 % during 2021-2027 (forecast period). Patient’s inclination towards faster mode of transportation, combined with technological advancements are the factors contributing to the growth of the air ambulance services market. Air Ambulances are in high demand as they assist in reaching out to limited remote areas that are not always accessible via road ambulance services. What’s more, air ambulances also provide an advantage over long travel durations.

Source: BlueWeave Consulting

Global Air Ambulance Services Market Overview:

An air ambulance service is a type of air transportation service that is usually provided to patients in the event of an emergency. A helicopter or an airplane could serve as an air ambulance, equipped with all necessary first-aid equipment and medical facilities to ensure proper convenience and optimal healthcare. An air ambulance also has skilled medical crew trained in providing initial crisis medical care to patients. Rising occurrence of several severe medical cases, along with advanced innovation in ambulances, their use also started for transportation to-and-from hospitals of critical patients. With the number of serious medical cases rising, along with advancements in ambulance technology, ambulances began to be used for emergency patient transportation to and from hospitals.

Global Air Ambulance Services Market Forecast and Trends

Growth Drivers

Technological Advancements

The use of advanced technology and patients’ inclination towards a faster and efficient mode of transportation is significantly contributing to the growth of the air ambulance services market. In the event of an accident or a medical emergency, patients are normally transported by air ambulance. Technological advancements allow for the resolution of issues such as long travel times and the challenge of accessing remote areas that road ambulances are unable to access. These air ambulances include all the primary first-aid tools and medical practitioners that can assist patients with primary medical treatment in an emergency.

Increasing incidence of life-threatening diseases that require medical emergency

Rising incidences of critical illnesses such as cancer, diabetes, neurological conditions, heart disease, and HIV are the primary factors driving the growth of the global air ambulance market. Additionally, the thriving healthcare sector and the rising number of accidents worldwide are the primary factors driving the market's expansion. Air ambulance ensures a timely and well-organized passage in the event of a critical medical emergency, such as a car accident or a burn incident. Furthermore, an air ambulance is a boon for patients suffering from cardiac issues such as heart attacks, as well as other serious health issues such as brain stroke, which necessitate immediate medical attention.

Restraints

Operational Constraint

One of the major drawbacks of air ambulance services is that the plane or jet used for transportation cannot hold all of the necessary medical equipment for treating patients while in transit. The sector's development is also being hindered by a rise in the number of air ambulance casualties, as well as high service costs and organizational constraints. Since air ambulances need routine servicing, they are more likely to crash than regular jet planes. Additionally, restricted space in the aircraft is another constraint in the air ambulance service.

Impact of COVID-19 in the industry.

The global emergency service sector has benefited from the COVID-19 outbreak. The market is expanding due to the urgent need to provide emergency treatment to COVID-19 patients during the ongoing pandemic. Additionally, ambulance service providers are multiplying around the world, fueling the growth of the market. The number of hospitals has also increased as a result of the pandemic. Furthermore, rising accident rates and the introduction of new ambulances are fueling the market's expansion.

Global Air Ambulance Services Market: By Service Type

Based on service form, the global air ambulance services market is divided into hospital-based services and community-based services. Over the forecast era, hospital-based services will be the most common form of air ambulance service. In a hospital-based service model, a hospital typically provides medical staff and collaborates with an aviation service provider for aircraft, pilots, and mechanics. The air ambulance's supremacy is largely attributed to emergency response by medical personnel on board.

Global Air Ambulance Services Market: By Aircraft Type

Based on Aircraft Type, the global air ambulance services market is divided into Helicopter, Drone Ambulance Aircraft/Airplane, and seaplanes. The Airplane segment is further divided into Rotary Winged Aircraft and Fixed Winged Aircraft. In the coming years, the rotary-winged aircraft segment is expected to be the largest and fastest-growing. The market's growth was aided by an increase in demand for helicopter air ambulances, especially during the COVID-19 emergency. In addition, the increasing production of helicopters dedicated to providing healthcare services by manufacturers is expected to support growth.

Global Air Ambulance Services Market – Regional Insights

Based on region, the global air ambulance services market is divided into North America, Latin America, Europe, Asia Pacific, Middle East, and Africa. North America dominated the air ambulance services market; this has accounted for the largest revenue share. This region has the most significant air ambulance service providers; this region also has the better infrastructure, which required air medical transportation. The favorable reimbursement policies in this region are again an important factor contributing to the growth of the market. The market for air ambulance services is predicted to see the fastest growth in the Asia Pacific region over the forecast period. In developing countries like China, India in this region is responsible for developing the market for air ambulance services.

Recent Developments

In March 2021, Tampa General Hospital added a new Airbus EC145e to its fleet of critical care helicopters. The new helicopter has a larger cabin and faster airspeeds than the company's current primary aircraft.

In April 2021, Air Methods, the leading air medical service in the U.S., partnered with Baylor Scott & White Health to launch a base in Waco, Texas. The base will provide emergency air medical services to Temple and Bell County; Waco and McLennan County; Falls County and Coryell County.

Competitive Landscape

The key market players in the global air ambulance services market are PHI Air Medical, Air Ambulance Specialists, Babcock Scandinavian AirAmbulance, Express Air Medical Transport, Lifeguard Air Ambulance, Native American Air Ambulance, Metro Aviation Inc., The Royal Flying Doctor Service, REVA Air Ambulance, Yorkshire Air Ambulance, EAA, Capital Air Ambulance, AirMed international and other key manufacturers.

Advanced technological advancements in onboard medical treatments have been attracting the interest of key market players. A growing number of service providers is likely to provide a significant opportunity for the global air ambulance services market to grow. Nevertheless, significant initial capital investments are expected to halt the entry of new market entrants.

Scope

By Services Type

• Hospital-based Services
• Community-based Services

By Aircraft Type

• Helicopter
• Drone Ambulance Aircraft/Airplane

• Rotary Winged Aircraft
• Fixed Winged Aircraft

• Seaplanes

By Region

• North America
• Latin America
• Europe
• Asia Pacific
• Middle East
• Africa