Air Life of Oregon selects new aviation vendor, begins branding process to change name
BEND – Starting this month, Air Life of Oregon officials will contract with a new vendor for aviation services and will embark on a process to develop a new name for the program.
Since its inception in 1985, Air Life of Oregon has contracted with Air Methods Corp., based in Denver, Colo., to employ its mechanics and pilots. After a 22-year relationship, the contract with Air Methods expired on February 15, 2008. Cascade Healthcare Community’s leadership team negotiated with Air Methods for several months before making the decision to select a different vendor. Because Air Methods owns the rights to the Air Life trademark, Cascade Healthcare Community must now develop a new name for its air ambulance program.
It is common for air ambulance programs to contract with aviation services vendors, explained Chris Pollard, Air Life director. Flight programs supply a strong clinical staff while aviation vendors provide safe and highly qualified pilots and mechanics. Cascade Healthcare Community will continue to partner with an aviation services vendor, but has selected Metro Aviation Inc., based in Shreveport, La., instead of Air Methods, to handle the job.
“We’re excited about the opportunity to partner with Metro Aviation,” said James A. Diegel, FACHE, President and CEO of Cascade Healthcare Community. “As part of the transition, we will develop a new name for our air ambulance services that will reflect our history and dedication to the region while opening up new opportunities for future expansion of the program.”
Air Life has entered into a five-year contract with Metro Aviation with the opportunity for an automatic five-year extension. The organization is currently searching for an independent agency to spearhead its re-branding process over the next six months.
“We feel this is a positive decision for Air Life of Oregon that will help us maintain and improve upon our commitment to provide air ambulance services to Central and Eastern Oregon,” Pollard said. “Metro offers advanced training for pilots and mechanics, better back-up helicopter availability, efficient internal processes and is an expert at reducing the amount of time aircraft are down for maintenance.”
Pollard said the 17 Air Methods employees, including four helicopter pilots, eight fixed-wing airplane pilots and five mechanics, were encouraged to apply to retain their positions with Metro Aviation. All but two employees, who chose to pursue other opportunities, have been hired by Metro. The clinical staff, including 12 flight nurses and 11 flight respiratory therapists, remains 100 percent intact.
“Our intention is to retain the current team we have in place,” Pollard said. “We feel that this is an opportunity to strengthen our service. I expect this change will be extremely positive and the communities we serve will not experience any interruptions in our availability to respond.”
The change in name will not affect benefits for Air Life members who have generously supported the Air Life program.