India Air Ambulance Services Market

Market Overview

The India air ambulance services market share witnessed significant growth and is expected to grow at a CAGR of around 16.0% during the forecast period (2023-2031).

Air ambulances are fixed-wing or rotor-wing airplanes, or helicopters outfitted with a critical care unit and medical supplies to handle medical crises, patient transfers, and life-saving rescue operations in areas where ground vehicles cannot go. The majority of the equipment in the fleet includes ICU respirators, ECG monitors, defibrillators, external pacemakers, invasive (intra-arterial) blood pressure (NIBP), capnometers, transport monitors, syringe pumps, blood glucose analyzers, suction units, ultrasound systems, non-invasive cardiac support pumps, fiber optic intubation systems with monitors, vacuum mattresses, cervical spine immobilization collars, intubation sets, and vacuum mattresses with monitor Air ambulances can be operated by hospitals or local governments.

India's large terrain and high population density increase the demand for air ambulance services. The nation’s geography varies, including distant and inaccessible locations where ground transportation is difficult. Air ambulances may carry patients from these places to specialist medical institutions in a rapid manner, ensuring quick access to crucial care.

Market Dynamics

India Air Ambulance Services Market Drivers

Increasing Medical Emergencies

The need for air ambulance services in India is driven by the need for speedy and efficient delivery of critically ill or injured patients to medical facilities. Air ambulances are especially important in isolated places with limited access to healthcare institutions where early transportation can improve patient outcomes dramatically. Air ambulance services are frequently used in India for emergency medical evacuation during natural catastrophes such as floods or earthquakes, where ground transportation may be hampered. These services guarantee that patients receive prompt medical assistance and are quickly transferred to suitable healthcare institutions.

India Air Ambulance Services Market Restraints

High Cost

Air ambulance services have substantial operational costs, which include aircraft maintenance, fuel, medical equipment, and qualified medical personnel. These expenses are frequently passed on to consumers or healthcare providers, resulting in relatively expensive treatments. According to a study published in the Indian Journal of Critical Care Medicine, the average cost of an air ambulance service in India can range from INR 1 lakh to 5 lakhs (approximately USD 1,400 to 7,000) per hour, depending on distance, aircraft type, and level of medical care provided. This high cost might be too expensive for people and healthcare institutions, particularly those in economically poor areas.

India Air Ambulance Services Market Opportunities

Improving Healthcare Infrastructure

The continual expansion and strengthening of India's healthcare system has boosted demand for specialist medical services, including air ambulance services. Air ambulance services are in high demand due to the increasing availability of modern medical facilities and the necessity for smooth patient transfers. With the creation of cutting-edge hospitals and specialist centers in major Indian cities, there is an increased demand for patient transfers between facilities. Air ambulances are vital in assuring the safe and timely delivery of patients needing specialist treatment, such as organ transplants or urgent procedures.

Regional Analysis

In 2022, the Indian population was 1.421 billion. According to the United Nations, the population over 60 is anticipated to grow from 8% to 20% by 2050. The elderly population's failing health is a serious problem since they frequently require emergency medical care. Older people have health difficulties that may necessitate an operation or therapy outside the state or nation. Air ambulances come to the rescue in such cases since they give a hassle-free traveling experience for the patient. The Air Ambulance Services Market is being supported by technological advancements such as online booking of air ambulances and rising emergency healthcare expenditures in the country with a growing number of hospitals. COVID-19 patients are also transported by air ambulance in India. However, during such a critical period, India experienced a lack of air ambulances. The need for air medical transport grew by 3-4 times the average daily requirements, so much so that India's air ambulance business struggled to meet the expectations. Because of the cost-effectiveness and high quality of treatment available in the region, India is also one of the world's biggest medical tourism destinations. People worldwide, including the United States, travel to India for different procedures and treatments, particularly in the Indian states of Delhi, Mumbai, and Bangalore. Even after the COVID-19 outbreak, medical tourism in India is predicted to thrive. According to the Financial Express, over 697,453 international patients sought treatment in Indian hospitals in 2019. India provides advanced transplant surgery and ancient ayurvedic medications that are beneficial in treating various chronic conditions.

Segmental Analysis

The Indian air ambulance services market is segmented based on type, application, and country.

The market is further segmented by type into Rotary wing and fixed wing.

The rotary wing contributes a major market share and is expected to grow at a CAGR of 16.5% during the forecast period.

Rotary-wing aircraft are largely helicopters, frequently used in medical transportation for short distances that must be completed quickly. As a result, helicopters are commonly employed in emergency response services worldwide. Their ability to land almost anywhere makes them handy when a ground ambulance struggles to reach the patient. Rotary-winged aircraft are disadvantaged when flying long distances due to their limited fuel capacity.

Jet engines or propellers propel fixed-wing aircraft and have fixed wings. They are more typically used for long-distance travel since they require regular recharging. Fixed-wing aircraft are frequently utilized in the medical tourism industry, as well as for transferring critically sick patients to proper medical institutions for specialized care.

The market is further segmented into Hospital-based community based by application.

Community-based holds a major market share and is expected to register a CAGR of 15.7% over the forecast period.

Community-based operations are expected to account for a major portion of the air ambulance industry since they better understand demand in their immediate surroundings. Most businesses in this category are community-based or charitable groups that raise revenue through local fundraisers. Members contributing to the fundraising receive substantial perks while using air medical transport services.

Air ambulances are a common part of hospital-based services, which hospitals use to transport patients, care for ER out-of-town patients, and carry out organ donation missions. The government or a private hospital may pay for these treatments, and the patient's transportation expenses will also be covered. Over the past ten years, hospital-based services have become increasingly popular. Still, they have lately discovered that hiring a private air ambulance operator is far more cost-effective than purchasing and maintaining an aircraft.

Recent Developments

• March 2023- IAS Medical introduced a new telehealth platform allowing users to chat with a healthcare physician.
• March 2023- Rega announced the addition of two additional helicopters to its fleet. The new helicopters, Airbus H145s, will replace two older helicopters.