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 airline, Air Wanganui, specialising in this service.

The airline has two King Air turbo-prop aircraft, a B200 and a C90, and professional aircrew 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.