Brazil’s MICAELIS has partnered with the Brazilian Association of Aeromedical Operations (ABOA) to develop the integration of electric vertical take-off and landing vehicles (eVTOLs) in the transport of organs, tissues, samples for examinations, and blood products in emergencies and catastrophes.
MICAELIS is also developing an autonomous eVTOL route network based in Rio de Janeiro; images of both programmes feature the EHang EH-216
According to an ABOA press release:
“This partnership promises to revolutionize the healthcare sector in Brazil, focusing on three crucial aspects:
Improvement in the Speed and Efficiency of Transport of Organs, Tissues, Samples and Blood Products
The use of autonomous eVTOLs to transport organs, tissues, samples for examinations, and blood products in emergencies and catastrophes represents a significant advance in medical logistics. These vehicles have the potential to dramatically reduce transportation times between hospitals, ensuring that organs and tissues arrive in optimal condition for transplantation. The ability of eVTOLs to fly directly between points without relying on road infrastructure enables faster response to medical emergencies, especially in rural, hard-to-reach areas or during disasters.
Safety and reliability of autonomous flights
MICAELIS and ABOA are committed to ensuring the highest safety standards for autonomous eVTOL flights. This commitment includes:
- Development of strict security protocols;
- Conducting extensive testing and simulations in various operational scenarios, and
- Collaboration with regulatory bodies such as ANAC and DECEA to establish operational guidelines
Adapted infrastructure
When adapting innovative aeromedical infrastructure, a focus on safety is crucial, considering the sensitive and critical nature of organ and tissue transport.
The partnership between MICAELIS and ABOA aims to develop a dedicated infrastructure to support aeromedical operations with eVTOLs and includes:
- Planning and implementation of vertiports strategically located close to important hospital centers;
- Optimization of existing infrastructure to accommodate eVTOL operations;
- Development of an integrated system that allows quick and safe takeoffs and landings;
“This innovative infrastructure will not only facilitate the transportation of organs, tissues, samples and blood products, but also has the potential to significantly improve the response capacity of emergency services throughout Brazil.
“MICAELIS ‘ initiative to join ABOA to develop the use of eVTOLs in organ transportation represents an important step in the modernization of the Brazilian healthcare system….This initiative will also contribute to the development of a specific regulatory framework prepared by ANAC and DECEA, with social contribution, so that society can benefit from the advantages of innovation, safely and efficiently.”
ABOA also reports that Rio de Janeiro will begin testing an innovative solution that seeks to perform autonomous flights using eVTOL aircraft. The initiative is from Tom Jobim International Airport and MICAELIS.
“The agreement, with an initial duration of two years, connects RIOGaleão to strategic destinations in the metropolitan region of Rio de Janeiro.
“The partnership includes the development of a vertiport, an infrastructure designed for the take-off, landing and operation of eVTOL aircraft, integrated with the airport. The goal is to create a sustainable air mobility solution capable of optimizing the flow of cargo and passengers at RIOgaleão and establishing fast, efficient and zero-emission connections between the airport and other strategic points in the city.
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