When the Aircraft Management & Charter team at Gama Aviation received a request to support the urgent repatriation of a patient from Dar es Salaam, Tanzania, to Reno, Nevada, it was immediately apparent that this would be a mission requiring precision, sensitivity, and exceptional coordination.

What followed was a week-long demonstration of the team’s experience, agility, and unwavering commitment to doing the right thing for those who rely on us.

 

A request that required careful handling

The enquiry reached Gama Aviation with a simple question: could we facilitate a safe, medically supervised transfer for a patient needing urgent repatriation to the United States?

From the outset, the team – led by Emma Suddaby-Brown, Charter Sales Account Manager, and Scott Sygrove, Senior Charter Sales Executive – set about assessing suitable options. Several aircraft types and operators were evaluated, balancing range, medical capability, crew duty considerations, and the patient’s clinical needs.

After presenting the available solutions, the team recommended a Falcon 7X operated by Jetflite, whose experience in long-range medical missions made them the ideal partner. Once confirmed, the operation began in earnest.

 

Seven days of planning for one continuous journey

In medical repatriation, preparation is everything. Over the course of seven days, the Gama Aviation and Jetflite teams worked collaboratively across time zones to ensure every element of the mission was meticulously planned.

Key considerations included:

• Coordinating a specialist medical team qualified to support the patient throughout the journey
• Arranging two full flight crews to manage the duration and duty limitations of the long-haul routing
• Reviewing and sharing medical records to ensure safe in-flight care
• Monitoring regional and political developments, given the sensitivities in parts of East Africa
• Maintaining clear and continuous communication with the patient’s family, ensuring they understood each stage of the process
• Selecting the safest, most efficient routing – ultimately via Helsinki, Jetflite’s home base.

By the 11th of November, the Falcon 7X was positioned, crewed, stocked with medical equipment and cleared to depart.

A 20+-hour hospital-to-hospital transfer

The aircraft took off from Dar es Salaam and began the long journey north toward Helsinki before continuing across the Atlantic for the final sector to the United States. In total, more than 20 hours of flight time were required to complete the transfer.

Throughout the mission, the medical team monitored and supported the patient, while both sets of crew ensured a smooth, efficient operation under varying conditions.

Upon arrival in the United States, the patient completed the final ground transfer to the hospital, marking the successful end of the door-to-door operation.

Partnership, professionalism, and purpose

For Gama Aviation, this mission represented more than the successful delivery of a complex charter solution. It showcased the strength of our global partnerships and the dedication of our people.

Jetflite proved to be exceptional partners at every stage: transparent, responsive, and fully aligned with delivering the best possible outcome. Their professionalism was instrumental to the mission’s success.

The patient’s family expressed heartfelt thanks to both teams, and their feedback reflects what we strive for in every charter we deliver: confidence, care, and complete trust.

 

A reminder of why our work matters

Reflecting on the experience, Emma Suddaby-Brown shared that this mission carried a meaningful sense of purpose — a welcome contrast to the day-to-day complexities of managing charter requests. “Supporting this repatriation was a privilege. There are moments in charter where you’re reminded that the work we do can make a real difference, and this was one of them. The collaboration with Jetflite was seamless, and knowing the patient arrived safely with their family made every hour of planning worthwhile. It’s a mission I’ll remember for a long time.”

Scott Sygrove commented, “This task was so much more than a job; it was an opportunity to make a difference. A true example of how private aviation is a benefit to so many”

 

Supporting every charter need – from simple requests to complex missions

Whether arranging a straightforward point-to-point charter or managing a time-critical, medically sensitive transfer, Gama Aviation’s Charter team brings deep experience, global reach and the agility needed to support every requirement.

If you would like to discuss a bespoke charter solution or learn more about our capabilities, our team would be pleased to assist.

You can contact the team by email by clicking here