Air Ambulance Market by Type (Rotary Wing, Fixed Wing), By Application (Aid, Patients Transportation, Others) and by Region (North America, Europe, Asia Pacific, Middle East, and Africa, and South America), Global Forecast 2019 to 2029

There are many advantages to the air ambulance industry, including quick response times, access to specialized care, increased comfort levels, lower complication risks, quick transport times, and many others.
Some of the major factors propelling the growth of the global air ambulance market are the rising incidence of acute and chronic diseases, the rise in traffic accidents, and the rising demand for air medical services. Additionally, it is anticipated that the expanding medical tourism sector and the rise in air ambulance usage will fuel market expansion. Also, it is anticipated that recent technological developments in air ambulance services and the rising demand for air ambulances in rural areas will support the market's expansion. However, some of the major factors limiting the growth of the global air ambulance market include the high cost of air ambulances and the lack of awareness about air ambulance services.

Compared to ground ambulances, which are constrained by traffic, distance, and other road conditions, air ambulances can respond to and transport patients much more quickly. Remote areas that are inaccessible by ground transportation can be reached by air ambulances. Patients in rural areas who might otherwise have to wait several hours for a ground ambulance to arrive should pay particular attention to this. Because air ambulance flights don't have the bumps and vibrations that accompany ground ambulance rides, patients are typically much more comfortable during them. Patients who may be in serious or critical condition and require more comfort and care may find this to be beneficial. Modern technology and safety features are frequently included in air ambulances, which can help reduce the possibility of harm or death while in transit.

The market for air ambulances was valued at USD 124 billion in 2021 and is anticipated to expand at a CAGR of 8.9% with USD 19.07 billion from 2021 to 2031.

The market is anticipated to grow as a result of factors like rising medical tourism, increasing medical urgency, and rising chronic disease prevalence. Due to their safety, convenience, and quick response times, air ambulance services are in increasing demand, and this is anticipated to create profitable market opportunities. Additionally, the market has expanded as a result of technological developments in the air ambulance industry, such as the introduction of helicopter ambulance services. The prevalence of natural disasters and traffic accidents is also likely to increase demand for air ambulance services.

Globally, the incidence of chronic diseases has been rising as a result of altered lifestyles, rising pollution levels, and poor dietary practices. Air ambulance services are in greater demand as a result of this. The market for air ambulance services has expanded as a result of the increase in traffic accidents because these services are used to quickly transport injured people from the scene of an accident to specialized medical facilities. The market for air ambulances is expanding largely due to the rising demand for remote medical assistance. People in remote areas with limited access to medical facilities can receive medical assistance from air ambulance services. The improvement of patient care and safety made possible by technological developments in the air ambulance sector has been a key factor in the market's expansion.

However, the costs of operating a helicopter or plane, such as fuel, maintenance, personnel, and insurance, make air ambulance services very expensive. The high cost of an air ambulance makes it challenging for those who require these services to access them. Only places with an airport or helipad can support air ambulance operations. As a result, there are fewer air ambulance services available in rural areas and in locations that are challenging to reach because of the terrain or bad weather. The number of patients that can be transported at once is constrained by the space available in air ambulances for medical personnel and equipment. Regulations established by the Federal Aviation Administration apply to air ambulances (FAA). Some air ambulance providers find it challenging to remain in business as a result of the complexity and expense of complying with these regulations. Because they are intricate devices, air ambulances must be operated safely by personnel with extensive training. Any operational mistakes can have detrimental effects, such as crashes or treatment delays.

Air Methods, PHI Air Medical, REVA, Falck, Air Alliance, Airmed International, SOS International, Angel MedFlight, AMR Air Ambulance, and Airlift are the principal market participants in the air ambulance market.

Fixed wing segment in the northwest is expanding

Because fixed-wing air ambulances have better range, speed, and comfort than rotary-wing air ambulances, the fixed-wing air ambulance market is anticipated to grow at the highest rate during the forecast period. Additionally, the market for fixed-wing air ambulances is being driven by the rising demand for air ambulance services for patient long-distance transportation. The market for fixed-wing air ambulances is further being driven by the rising number of air ambulance service providers and the rising number of aircraft that they are purchasing.

The largest market share belongs to the aid segment

The aid, patient transportation, and other segments make up the application-based segmentation of the global air ambulance market. Due to the rising incidence of medical emergencies like cardiac arrest, stroke, and trauma that call for immediate medical attention, the aid segment is predicted to hold the largest share of the market in 2020. Due to the rising demand for air ambulance services to move critically ill patients from one place to another, the patient transportation segment is anticipated to grow at the highest CAGR during the forecast period.

The region is dominated by North America

With the largest market share, the North American region currently rules the global air ambulance market. This is brought on by the fact that there are many air ambulance services in the area and that more people are using air ambulances for emergency medical services. A large number of cutting-edge helicopters and aircraft are also located in the area, and they are used to transport patients who need medical care. A further factor promoting the use of air ambulances is the presence of medical insurance firms in the area. The North American air ambulance market, according to a study was pegged at USD 3.3 billion in 2019 and is anticipated to grow at a CAGR of 6.6% over the next five years.

Impact of Covid 19 on the Air Ambulance Market

The market for air ambulances has been significantly impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic. Due to international travel restrictions, lockdowns, and the fear of contracting the virus, the demand for air ambulance services has significantly decreased since the start of the pandemic. Due to a lack of demand, the pandemic has reduced the number of air ambulances deployed. Additionally, the industry has been severely impacted by the medical staff shortage, which has led air ambulance operators to scale back their services. Due to the pandemic and the associated fear of contracting the virus, fewer patients are now being transported by air ambulance. The demand for air ambulance services has also decreased as a result of supply chain disruption and the increase in the cost of medical supplies.

Recent Changes in the Air Ambulance Industry

• Autonomous Air Ambulances: Several businesses are working to develop autonomous air ambulances so that they can quickly and effectively treat patients in inhospitable or hazardous locations. Sensors and other cutting-edge technology are installed in autonomous air ambulances, enabling them to autonomously navigate to their destination and treat patients.

• Expansion of Air Ambulance Services in Rural Areas: To meet the medical needs of rural areas, the air ambulance industry is growing its services. Drones and other aircraft are being used by the industry to deliver medical care in far-off places. Patients in regions that are difficult for standard ground ambulances to access will benefit from prompt medical attention thanks to this.

• Artificial Intelligence in Air Ambulances: To increase the effectiveness and precision of medical care, artificial intelligence is being incorporated into air ambulances. AI-driven systems are being used to track patients' vital signs and give medical staff real-time information. AI can also be used to advise medical professionals on the best courses of treatment.

Air Ambulance Market Scope

Key Segment of Global Air Ambulance Market 

By Type Overview 2021-2031, (USD Billion) 
    • Rotary Wing 
    • Fixed Wing

By Application Overview 2021-2031, (USD Billion) 
    • Aid 
    • Patients Transportation, 
    • Other

By Region Overview 2021-2031, (USD Billion) 

North America 
    • USA 
    • Canada 

Asia Pacific 
    • China 
    • India 
    • Japan 
    • Rest of Asia Pacific 

South America 
    • Mexico 
    • Brazil 
    • Rest of North America 

Europe 
    • Germany 
    • France 
    • UK 
    • Rest of Europe 

Middle East and Africa