B.C. to replace fleet of air ambulances by next fall, Premier David Eby says

VANCOUVER — British Columbia Premier David Eby says the province will be replacing its fleet of air ambulance planes by the fall of next year.

Eby says the 12 new Beechcraft King Air ambulances will be able to land on gravel runways and access more rural and remote communities.

The premier says the planes will have a uniform layout, making them easier for paramedics to use, and will offer expanded capabilities for specialized care.

Nine of the airplanes will be in regular operation, with three backups, and the province says the first went into service on May 1.