Branta Aeromedical COO Says Air Patient Transport Is an Integrated Mission, Not Just a Flight
Why It MattersIt points to air ambulance providers competing on end-to-end mission coordination and fleet range, from regional turboprops to long-range cabins, rather than on aircraft availability alone.
Brent Gateman, Chief Operating Officer at Branta Aeromedical, says moving a patient by air involves far more than arranging an aircraft. In a sponsored article published by ITIJ on 2 November 2026 (ITIJ 310, November 2026 issue), he describes the process as spanning patient assessment, fitness-to-fly decisions, determination of the required level of care, selection of medical staff and equipment, and aircraft choice based on range, cabin configuration, medical capability and airport access. It also covers ground transportation at both ends and coordination between sending and receiving healthcare facilities.
Branta says it treats patient transportation as an integrated mission combining medical care, aviation operations and logistics from initial assessment through final handover. Depending on the mission, this can include ground ambulances, critical-care personnel, specialised medical equipment, international flight planning and continuous communication with healthcare providers, assistance companies, insurers and families.
Through Sunwest Aviation, Branta has access to aeromedical platforms ranging from King Air aircraft for regional and remote operations to Learjet 45s and Challenger aircraft configured for longer-range critical-care transport. The company says the Challenger provides the cabin space, range and medical infrastructure needed for particularly demanding international and specialty missions.
Gateman says Branta only commits to a mission when it has the people, aircraft, medical capabilities and operational plan to support it, and emphasises proactive communication and realistic expectations. Branta's aeromedical roots extend back decades through Sunwest Aviation. Its services range from ambulatory and commercial medical escort to adult and paediatric critical care, bariatric transport, isolation requirements, international repatriations and complex specialty missions.
