Catalonia Terminates Eliance Helicopter Contract, Shifts to SAF

Catalonia's Medical Emergency System (SEM) has terminated its contract with Eliance for managing two of its four medicalised helicopters, basing at Girona and Móra d'Ebre, due to the company's difficulties in fulfilling requirements to replace aircraft during maintenance or technical issues.

The Catalan Health Department announced the move, effective this Monday, and approved an emergency contract transferring the two helicopters to SAF, which now oversees all four. SAF has begun operating the Girona-based helicopter as its third unit and is recruiting and training staff to launch the fourth within weeks, likely in March.

Until the fourth helicopter is operational, the SEM will implement contingency measures, including strategic repositioning of the three active aircraft to La Seu d'Urgell, Girona, and Reus. This setup, according to the department, will ensure coverage for the most remote areas. Additional ground support from medicalised ambulances will also bolster services.

In parallel, the SEM plans to tender a new long-term contract for all four helicopters, expected to take effect in 2027.

The helicopters form part of the SEM's fleet of 444 units, positioned across Catalonia to provide equitable emergency response.