Beechcraft King Air 360C Bolsters Greece’s Emergency Air Medical Services
Textron Aviation, a global leader in general aviation and special mission aircraft, has announced the successful delivery of a Beechcraft King Air 360C aircraft to the Hellenic Air Force to support and enhance Greece’s national air ambulance capabilities. This latest delivery marks a significant milestone in the country’s ongoing investment in modernizing its medical response infrastructure and improving access to critical care services for remote and underserved areas.
The newly delivered King Air 360C will operate out of Elefsis Airbase, located just northwest of Athens, and will complement two Beechcraft King Air 350C turboprop aircraft that are already in active service within the Hellenic Air Force fleet. Together, these aircraft form a core part of Greece’s aerial medical evacuation and emergency response operations, helping to bridge the gap between remote communities and advanced healthcare centers located in Athens and other urban hubs across the nation and broader European region.
Manufactured by Textron Aviation Inc., a subsidiary of Textron Inc. (NYSE: TXT), the Beechcraft King Air 360C is the latest model in the long-running and widely respected King Air family of turboprops. With a strong reputation for performance, durability, and mission versatility, the aircraft is a proven choice for governments and organizations worldwide seeking cost-effective solutions for special mission applications, including air ambulance, intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance (ISR), and humanitarian aid.
“The King Air 360C will significantly boost Greece’s ability to provide emergency medical care, ensuring that patients receive immediate and reliable air transport from remote areas to central locations in Greece and Europe,” said Bob Gibbs, vice president of Special Mission Sales at Textron Aviation. “The aircraft is equipped with the latest medical equipment and is ready to serve in diverse and remote locations.”
Advanced Medical Configuration and Customization
To fully prepare the aircraft for its demanding medical role, the King Air 360C underwent a specialized air ambulance conversion performed by Fargo Jet Center at its dedicated special mission aircraft modification facility, located Beechcraft at Hector International Airport in Fargo, North Dakota. The center is recognized as a leading provider of aircraft modifications for mission-specific requirements and has extensive experience in equipping platforms for air medical transport.
“At Fargo Jet Center, we take pride in delivering mission-ready aircraft tailored to the unique requirements of each operator,” stated Darren Hall, vice president of Business Development at Fargo Jet Center. “For this King Air 360C, our team worked closely with the customer and Spectrum Aeromed to integrate advanced medical systems and develop a custom interior that enhances patient care and crew efficiency. This aircraft represents the highest standards of reliability and innovation in air medical transport.”
The conversion includes the installation of a fully integrated medical interior designed by Spectrum Aeromed, a leading provider of air medical equipment. The interior features advanced life-support systems, medical stretchers, oxygen systems, and storage for emergency medical supplies and equipment. Attention was also paid to crew Beechcraft ergonomics and workflow, ensuring that medical personnel can operate efficiently during high-stress missions. This customization ensures that the aircraft can deliver ICU-level care from the point of pickup through the duration of flight.
Serving the Needs of a Geographically Diverse Nation
Greece’s unique topography and island geography make rapid medical transport a logistical necessity. With more than 6,000 islands and islets—of which approximately 200 are inhabited—reaching patients in need quickly and safely poses a major challenge. While Greece’s mainland is served by a network of regional hospitals, many residents of the country’s islands rely on airlift services for access to specialized care.
The addition of the King Air 360C offers Greece enhanced operational flexibility, allowing for faster response times and greater reach. Its short-field performance, rugged reliability, and all-weather capabilities make it particularly well-suited for operations in variable environments, from mountainous terrain to small island airstrips.
Capable of flying at a maximum cruising altitude of 35,000 feet and a top speed of approximately 312 knots (around 575 km/h), the King Air 360C enables rapid transport of patients to advanced medical facilities while minimizing the risks associated with ground or sea transport. Its pressurized cabin and ability to maintain stable in-flight conditions are crucial for patients in critical condition.
Continued Partnership and Commitment to Special Missions
Textron Aviation has long been a trusted partner to global government, military, and commercial operators seeking mission-ready aircraft. The King Air line, in particular, has seen widespread use in special mission configurations Beechcraft thanks to its exceptional reliability, low operating cost, and ability to adapt to a broad range of operational demands.
From air ambulance and search and rescue to ISR and flight inspection, the King Air 360C offers unmatched versatility. With over 7,600 King Air aircraft delivered since the model’s introduction in the 1960s, and more than 60 million flight hours logged, the aircraft’s track record of dependability continues to make it a popular choice for mission-critical operations.
“When government, military and commercial customers want airborne solutions for critical missions, they turn to Textron Aviation,” said Gibbs. “Our aviation solutions provide the high-performance and flight characteristics required to address the unique challenges of special mission operations. With unparalleled quality, versatility, and low operating costs, Textron Aviation products are ideal for air ambulance, ISR, utility transport, aerial survey, flight inspection, training, and many other special operations.”
Supporting Global Health and Emergency Infrastructure
Beyond its significance for Greece, the delivery of the King Air 360C reflects a growing international emphasis on strengthening emergency response capabilities through modern aviation assets. In recent years, natural disasters, pandemics, and conflicts have highlighted the need for Beechcraft reliable and rapid medical transport systems that can operate in any environment.
Aircraft like the King Air 360C serve a critical role in enabling governments and healthcare providers to respond swiftly to emergencies, deliver aid, and save lives. As the global demand for special mission aircraft grows, Textron Beechcraft Aviation remains at the forefront of developing and delivering solutions that meet these evolving needs.
The deployment of the Beechcraft King Air 360C in Greece not only represents a significant step forward in the nation’s emergency healthcare delivery but also underscores the importance of aircraft customization in addressing Beechcraft specific national and regional needs. By collaborating with industry-leading partners such as Fargo Jet Center and Spectrum Aeromed, Textron Aviation has once again demonstrated its commitment to innovation, reliability, and customer-focused solutions.
As Greece continues to expand and modernize its emergency and special mission aviation capabilities, additional investments in Beechcraft aircraft and training are expected to further enhance its ability to respond to crises swiftly and effectively. The integration of the King Air 360C into its air ambulance fleet will play a vital role in ensuring that high-quality healthcare is accessible to all citizens—no matter where they live.