1st July 2025 – Gulf Med Aviation Services, a company within the Medilink International group, officially commenced operations of the Emergency Medical Helicopter Service (SHEM) for the National Institute of Medical Emergency (INEM) in Portugal today, marking a significant milestone in the group’s international expansion.
This new operation represents Medilink International group’s entry into one of Europe’s most demanding and prestigious emergency medical markets. The Portuguese SHEM is recognised as one of Europe’s reference services, considered the “crown jewel” of Portuguese pre-hospital emergency medicine.
Commencement of Operations
In this initial operational phase, two state-of-the-art helicopters have entered service – an Airbus H135 and an Airbus H145 – specifically configured for aeromedical missions. These aircraft, equipped with advanced life support technology, ensure an immediate response to emergency medical needs across Portuguese territory.
The helicopter fleet will evolve gradually from these two initial aircraft to a final configuration of four Airbus H145 helicopters, representing the complete operational deployment envisioned for the Portuguese SHEM service.
The operation is developed in close collaboration with INEM, maintaining all clinical protocols and operational procedures defined by the Portuguese institution. Medical teams continue to be entirely composed of INEM professionals, ensuring continuity of the highest standards of medical care.
Leadership Statements
Maria Melillo, CEO of Medilink International Group, commented: “The commencement of operations in Portugal represents a moment of enormous pride for the entire Medilink International group. Portugal is a strategic market for us, not only due to the recognised excellence of its emergency medical system, but also for the opportunity to contribute to a service that is truly vital for the Portuguese population. This operation demonstrates our capacity to expand internationally whilst maintaining the highest standards of quality and safety that have defined the Medilink group for more than three decades.”
Simon J. Camilleri, CEO of Gulf Med Aviation Services, stated: “We begin today a new chapter in the history of Gulf Med Aviation Services with a profound sense of responsibility and commitment. The Portuguese SHEM has a reputation for excellence built over nearly three decades, and we are determined to honour that legacy. Our international experience, combined with the Medilink group’s specific knowledge in emergency care, enables us to offer an operation that combines safety, efficiency and an unwavering commitment to our fundamental mission: saving lives.”
Group’s International Experience
The Medilink International group has operated for more than 30 years, maintaining a presence in over twenty countries across Europe, the Middle East and Africa. With more than 500 employees, the group provides specialised medical support to over 6,000 patients monthly through its various international operations.
Gulf Med Aviation Services, founded in 2016, brings to Portugal its proven experience in aeromedical operations, including the successful operation of emergency medical helicopters for Ireland’s National Ambulance Service in the southwest of the country.
Commitment to Excellence
The operation in Portugal is based on three fundamental pillars that define Gulf Med Aviation Services’ approach: Safety, through implementation of the most rigorous safety and maintenance protocols, scrupulously complying with European aeronautical regulation; Operability, ensuring 24-hour availability, 365 days a year, with optimised processes that minimise aircraft downtime; and Mission, through commitment to the service’s primary objective of saving lives by providing emergency medical care with speed, efficiency and humanisation.
The company holds an Air Operator Certificate (AOC) from EASA, issued by Transport Malta and valid for all European Union countries, as well as “Part 145” maintenance approval, ensuring compliance with international standards for aircraft maintenance, repairs and inspections.
Gradual Implementation
The complete implementation of the service will be carried out in a phased and gradual manner, transitioning from the current two aircraft to a final operational fleet of four Airbus H145 helicopters. This evolution will be executed always in compliance with the most rigorous safety requirements and European aeronautical regulation. This responsible approach ensures that each stage of the operation is implemented with maximum safety and operational efficiency, ultimately providing comprehensive coverage across Portuguese continental territory through four strategically positioned bases.
Gulf Med Aviation Services’ entry into the Portuguese market reinforces Medilink International group’s position as one of Europe’s leading operators of specialised medical services, consolidating its presence in strategic markets and demonstrating its capacity to respond to the most demanding international emergency medical requirements.