Air India, India’s largest international airline, has formed a partnership with MedAire, a premier aviation medical support provider, to ensure emergency healthcare services to its passengers and crew on board its flights.

In a press statement, the airline owned by Tata Group says that the initiative sets a benchmark in the Indian aviation sector, making Air India the first airline in the country to integrate MedAire’s advanced medical assistance across its entire fleet.

MedAire, through its app Medlink, will provide round-the-clock access to a team of on-duty emergency physicians with aviation expertise for consultation in the event of an inflight medical situation. The medical team will assist in assessing the medical situation and recommend the course of care. With Air India enhancing its nonstop connectivity to long-haul international destinations, this collaboration underscores the airline’s commitment towards passenger and crew safety. 

Campbell Wilson

“The partnership marks a significant milestone in the airline’s transformation journey to become a world-class airline offering pleasant, safe, and reliable service. MedAire’s expertise in providing medical support services for airlines will meet the requirements of our expanding operations. The initiative extends beyond immediate health benefits, positioning Air India as a leader in customer care and operational excellence,’’ says Campbell Wilson, Chief Executive Officer & Managing Director, Air India.

“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,” says Peter Tuggey, Managing Director of Europe, Middle East and Asia, MedAire.

The statement adds that besides effectively handling medical crises, the collaboration will reduce medical diversions with real-time professional assistance, minimising inconvenience to passengers. In case a diversion is advised, the most suitable airport for such medical emergency landing is also recommended by the MedAire network and the airport also alerted to handle the situation, says Air India. 

Henry Donohoe

“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. This will ensure best possible care for passengers by facilitating the crew capture diagnostic information and transmit it seamlessly through the app to a pool of MedAire experts for real-time advice,” said Henry Donohoe, SVP, Safety, Security & Quality, Air India.

Bill Dolny

“We are thrilled to partner with Air India, marking a significant milestone not just for our two organisations but also for the entire aviation industry in India. This collaboration with Air India, a carrier renowned for its commitment to passenger welfare and safety, highlights our shared dedication to setting new standards in in-flight healthcare,” says Bill Dolny, CEO, MedAire. 

The collaboration, in future, will help Air India assess a passenger’s health condition at the airport before his flight if required, which would prevent an in-flight medical event and possible diversion, reducing the risks associated with an unplanned landing, says the airline.