Woodgate Aviation Uses King Air to Succeed in New Markets
Woodgate Aviation is Ireland’s longest established general aviation business, having been formed at Belfast International Airport in 1969. It is also Northern Ireland’s only King Air operator, with two in service since early 2017.
When compared to the rest of the United Kingdom, Northern Ireland faces unique circumstances in respect of the provision of acute, specialized medical care. With a population of only 1.6 million, it is simply not possible to provide the full range of treatment as is available on the British mainland. The Irish Sea is also a formidable barrier in regards to time and distance. Therefore, in order to access particular hospital needs such as transplant surgery or acute paediatric coronary care, including full intensive care patients, an air ambulance service is the only viable solution.
General Manager of Woodgate Aivation, David Shaw, explained the rationale for introducing the King Air as a matter of simple business logic for the company, which for many years has flown a fleet of Piper PA-31 Navajo Chieftains (five are currently in service, two of which are based on the Isle of Man) on air ambulance duties, contract mail delivery, ad hoc charters and aerial photography tasks. The first Super King Air B200, G-NIAA, was purchased in February 2014. Before delivery to Belfast that June, the aircraft was given a full Phase 1-4 inspection, landing gear overhaul, engine hot section inspection and an avionics upgrade. The original panel was replaced with a Garmin GTN750, GTN650 GPS, communications, GWPS and weather radar suite. The three-blade propellers were replaced by brand new four-bladed Raisbeck Engineering/Hartzell Swept Blade Turbofan props. These reduce noise and vibration, as well as enhancing performance; Founder James Raisbeck noted, “The biggest benefit of propeller blade sweep for the King Air type of airplane is that it allows for a larger diameter propeller without increasing the sound level in the airplane and on the ground. This in turn provides for more takeoff and climb thrust.”
The electrical system in the cabin was also modified to allow for the installation of an industry standard LifePort stretcher system which is at the heart of the Woodgate Aviation King Airs’ main role. The LifePort system incorporates an integral oxygen feed, as well as the power supply for such monitors as ventilators, defibrillators, suction and fluid pumps, etc., as are required. The company states that its LifePort stretcher systems are designed to be lightweight, user-friendly and provide exceptional durability over years of extensive use.
A contract has been authorized with the National Health Service in Northern Ireland, with a guarantee of 100 percent availability for the transfer of patients who are too ill to fly commercially to hospitals in Great Britain. Shaw noted, “We are able to respond to any emergency request within approximately one hour and are available 24/7.” Once a fitness to fly assessment has been made on the patient and the transfer authorized, London can be reached in one hour, 20 minutes, Birmingham in an hour and Newcastle in 45 minutes.
Bespoke slides allow the safe and comfortable transfer of the patient onto the stretcher to and from an ambulance. Four seats are available to carry accompanying medical personnel (and the patient’s relatives if room allows), who may range from nurse to anesthesiologist depending on the medically assessed needs of an individual case. All the specialist staff receive Flight Medical Crew training, which is completed annually. The aircrew also attends the course and takes part in training exercises as simulated patients being transferred from ambulance to aircraft on stretchers to make them fully appreciative of the task. Road access to the new Woodgate Aviation FBO and hangar, which was opened in 2016, is separate from the main airport complex and therefore can be accomplished without any delay. In cases of clinical need, post surgery patients will also be returned to Northern Ireland by Woodgate Aviation.
G-NIAA was joined by a second King Air, G-NIAB, in 2016. It became fully operational at the start of 2017. The intention is to upgrade the avionics of this aircraft to the same standard as Woodgate’s other King Air as soon as possible. It is fitted with a larger cargo door, which aids with the entry of the stretcher.
Shaw adds, “Last year alone, Woodgate Aviation had its busiest year, transporting 431 patients out of Northern Ireland for specialized treatment not available in local hospitals. Since it commenced operating the air ambulance 11 years ago with the PA-31, 2,500 patients have used the service. We are expanding facilities along with our fleet of aircraft, which will enable us to deliver the most cost-effective, professional and dependable service possible for patients from both the Isle of Man and Northern Ireland.”
Competition for this business was intense. Woodgate Aviation had to demonstrate competitive pricing and quality of service to be in the running, and it is clear they were able to satisfy the rigorous scoring criteria. “We are an essential link in the chain for patients who must have specialized care. Patients want to get to a hospital with the least amount of hassle or fuss. Sometimes, the people we transport are in need of transplants to save their lives.
Obviously, we have to be professional, but we are not immune from the emotion of it sometimes, especially when transporting very sick infants in incubators who need urgent help,” Shaw explained. “That is what we have been doing in Northern Ireland since 2006. We are delighted to have had our Northern Ireland contract renewed and to have been awarded the contract in the Isle of Man, using a PA-31 based there,” he continued.
With two aircraft now in place at Belfast International, the possibility of using the King Air for private charter work is being actively pursued by the newly recruited Business Development Manager, Keith McKay, who said, “The King Air is justly renowned for its speed and comfort and has a range of up to 1,800 miles at 280 knots and 35,000 feet.”
With Northern Ireland developing as a tourist attraction, McKay sees potential for high-end business with passengers wishing to travel from anywhere in Ireland, mainland United Kingdom or the near European continent for business trips and sightseeing, and fishing or golfing breaks, featuring smooth, seamless, hassle-free travel. Woodgate Aviation’s FBO incorporates a very comfortable, modern departure lounge within its new hangar complex. He is looking into the possibility of offering personalized packages with limousine companies, luxury hotels and world-famous golf courses. McKay also aims to develop on-board catering packages, adding to a client’s private charter experience. A similar service could also be offered for outbound travelers from Northern Ireland or the Irish border counties.
Woodgate Aviation’s engineering facility (maintenance) holds a full Part 145 Approval, Part M Approval including airworthiness review and has also been upgraded to provide in-house maintenance for the King Airs, with the ability to give full Phase 1-4 maintenance over the standard two-year cycle. Six licensed engineers have been trained, receiving the necessary type rating for engines and airframe, with one given further training in wing spar inspection. The hangar area is planned to be doubled in size to allow more room, not only for maintenance, but also to secure accommodations for visiting and managed business jets.
At the beginning of December 2016, Woodgate Aviation had the opportunity to showcase their new facility by hosting an Open Evening (Open House), in association with Textron Aviation. This was a great opportunity for Textron to meet potential customers with the stunning King Air 250 on static display for all guests to view.
Currently Woodgate Aviation has 10 pilots, supported by administration and engineering staff, bringing the total work staff count to 35, including the Managing Director, John Keen. “I’ve had a long association with the King Air having undergone type training in 2007. The proven reliability and cabin space is ideal for our multi-role operation. The cabin interior is more than suitable for Medevac sorties, while also having the ability to operate private charters in comfort with a capacity of up to eight passengers.”
The arrival of the King Airs is turning a new page in the history of an old-established company, which has survived and prospered due to its adaptability to the needs of the market. Accordingly, Woodgate Aviation would welcome enquiries from King Air pilots interested in working for the company.
The author would like to express his grateful thanks to John, David and Keith for their help with this article.
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