Albany, NY (March 10, 2004) -- Rev. Michael A. Farano, Chairman of the Albany County Airport Authority today announced that Quik Flight air charter service has begun operations at Albany International Airport. Quik Flight will also operate an air ambulance service with on-board medical staff for patients that require prompt long distance transportation to receive specialized medical care.

"Quik Flight will offer Capital Region business and leisure travelers the option of point-to-point flights that match their personal schedules," said Rev. Farano. "The fact that an on-site air ambulance will be available to physicians, hospitals and patients is important to our entire community as medical facilities become more specialized."

Quik Flight will operate a twin engine Cheyenne-1 turbo-prop aircraft with a top speed of 260 miles per hour. Quik Flight is based at the ASIG (formerly Signature Flight Support) terminal at Albany International Airport. Quik Flight also has cooperative agreements with other charter services that will enable them to provide charter jet service from Albany International Airport.

"We have made an extensive investment in aircraft and emergency medical equipment and we look forward to assisting the Airport by providing new and innovative services at Albany International Airport," said Chandler Atkins, president of Quik Flight.

The Qick Flight air ambulance will be operated by a pilot and co-pilot, both of whom have been certified by the Federal Aviation Administration. Quik Flight’s passenger aircraft can be converted to an air ambulance within 15 minutes. Dr. Krishnan Raghavan, a critical care physician at Amsterdam Memorial Hospital administers the operation of Quik-Flight’s air ambulance service. He is supported by chief flight nurse Sam Rimawi and a staff of critical care nurses that will accompany patients during their flight.

Quik Flight is also equipped to provide air freight services and specialized services for the transport of human organs for transplant. Quik Flight charter and air ambulance service can be reached at 518 464-4444.

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