Air Ambulance
As part of a streamlined and efficient health system within New Zealand extensive use is made of air ambulance flights to relocate critically ill patients from smaller regional hospitals to those providing specialist care.
Whanganui Airport is an important component of this system with a locally based operator, Air Whanganui, specialising in this service.
Air Whanganui operates two B200 King Air turbo-prop aircraft, and a C90 King Air. Their professional aircrew are on call 24/7.
Other air services based in New Plymouth, Palmerston North, Hawkes Bay and Wellington are also used regularly to transport patients to and from Whanganui.