Air India Partners with MedAire to Provide In-Flight Emergency Medical Services

MedAire, through its Medlink app, will provide Air India with 24/7 access to a team of on-duty emergency physicians who specialize in aviation medicine.

Leading airline, Air India has partnered with MedAire, an aviation medical support provider, to ensure top-tier emergency healthcare services for its passengers and crew during flights.

This initiative positions Air India as the first airline in the country to integrate MedAire's advanced medical assistance across its entire fleet, aiming to set a new benchmark in the Indian aviation sector.

Highlighting the significance of this partnership, Campbell Wilson, CEO & MD Air India, said, "This marks a significant milestone in the airline's transformation journey to become a world-class airline offering pleasant, safe, and reliable service. The initiative extends beyond immediate health benefits, positioning Air India as a leader in customer care and operational excellence."

He also noted that MedAire's expertise in providing medical support services for airlines will meet the requirements of Air India’s expanding operations.

Round-the-Clock Medical Support

MedAire, through its Medlink app, will provide Air India with 24/7 access to a team of on-duty emergency physicians who specialize in aviation medicine.

In the event of an in-flight medical situation, the MedAire medical team will assist in assessing the condition and recommending the appropriate course of care.

With this collaboration, Air India aims to demonstrate its commitment to passenger and crew safety, particularly as it expands its nonstop connectivity to long-haul international destinations.

Peter Tuggey, MD, Europe, Middle East, and Asia at MedAire, emphasized the partnership's transformative potential by saying, "Our alliance with Air India marks a pivotal moment in our joint efforts to transform in-flight healthcare. Air India's proactive approach to safety and genuine commitment to passengers' well-being is commendable. Through this partnership, we will create an exceptional travel experience, further enhancing the confidence and comfort of passengers and crew on every Air India journey."

Reducing Medical Diversions

The collaboration aims to effectively handle medical crises on board, potentially reducing the need for medical diversions.

With real-time professional assistance, MedAire can recommend the most suitable airport for emergency landings if needed and alert airport authorities to prepare for the situation. This minimizes inconvenience to passengers and ensures swift and appropriate medical response.

Henry Donohoe, senior VP of Safety, Security, & Quality at Air India, explained the operational benefits. He said, "MedAire's in-flight app, MedLink, will guide the crew members through complex medical scenarios during an in-flight emergency. It will help them handle a crisis effectively, providing solutions until the aircraft reaches its destination.’’

He further added that this will ensure the best possible care for passengers by facilitating the crew to capture diagnostic information and transmit it seamlessly through the app to a pool of MedAire experts for real-time advice.

Looking ahead, the partnership may also enable Air India to assess a passenger's health condition at the airport before the flight if necessary, preventing potential in-flight medical events and reducing the risks associated with unplanned landings.