The two helicopters provide coverage to about 90% of the country
The second medical helicopter will be positioned at a temporary operating base at Burshen Airport. The planned range of the machine is 170 km and in November the two helicopters will cover about 90% of the country. This was announced today by the Minister of Transport and Communications Georgi Gvozdeykov, who today together with the Mayor of Sliven Stefan Radev launched the renovation works at the base.
"In order to create the conditions for servicing and operating the second helicopter, it is necessary to renovate the base at Burshen Airport and equip it with working facilities. All the repair and certification works at the heliport will be completed before the arrival of the helicopter," Minister Georgi Gvozdeykov said. He clarified that this base will be used temporarily until a permanent base of operations is built nearby.
"After the construction of the permanent base, there is a possibility that this base will be used by Bulgaria Heli Med Service for training and preparation of pilots," the Transport Minister said. He explained that the hospital heliport in Sliven is currently under construction and there will be one in Yambol and Burgas.
"Best practices in European countries such as Austria and Germany show that operational bases for HEMS are built at small airports used by General Aviation, such as Burschen Airport. Its geographical location allows the helicopter to be positioned in a centre so that it is at the same distance from the cities for providing emergency medical assistance by air", emphasized Georgi Gvozdeykov.
The Minister congratulated the Municipal Council and the Mayor of Sliven Municipality for their cooperation and for securing the property.
