Special missions in the Middle East and Africa

“Operators across the Middle East and Africa (MEA) deliver a broad spectrum of special mission services, combining fixed- and rotary-wing fleets to meet the region’s complex operational demands. From helicopter emergency medical services (HEMS) and fixed-wing air ambulance operations to offshore crew transfers, aerial firefighting, humanitarian aid, surveillance, and remote industrial support, civilian providers play a critical role alongside governmental and military actors. In this feature, Chris Croot speaks with key organizations—including National Airways Corporation (NAC), Abu Dhabi Aviation (ADA), and Air Rescue Africa—about the diverse mission profiles they undertake, the challenges of operating in remote and infrastructure-limited environments, and the ongoing need to strengthen structured training, rescue capability, and sustainable service frameworks across MEA.”

Universal Air Evac has been featured in AirMed&Rescue, highlighting the critical role civilian operators play in special missions across the Middle East and Africa. The article explores how organisations like ours provide fixed-wing air ambulance services, offering emergency evacuations and bed-to-bed transfers for critically ill or injured patients, both domestically and internationally. As part of the feature, Chris Croot also discusses the broader landscape of special missions, including helicopter emergency medical services, aerial firefighting, offshore personnel transport, and humanitarian aid, showcasing the diverse capabilities and challenges operators face in the region. Read the full feature here and here