Press release | Avincis launches HEMS operations in Greece in partnership with AK Aviation
LISBON, Portugal – August 5th, 2025: Avincis, Europe’s leading provider of emergency aerial services, is proud to announce the launch of its first operations in Greece, marking a significant milestone in the company’s continued expansion across Europe. With the addition of Greece, Avincis now operates in nine countries worldwide thanks to the support and dedication of its more than 2,400 employees.
In partnership with local operator AK Aviation, Avincis will deliver helicopter emergency medical services (HEMS) on behalf of the Greek Ministry of Health (EKAV), with financial and institutional support from the National Bank of Greece.
Two AW139 helicopters were deployed to Greece and began operations on 26 July. Based in Rhodes, they have since been providing rapid-response HEMS coverage across both the mainland and surrounding islands.
“This is a landmark moment for Avincis,” said John Boag, Group CEO, Avincis. “We are honoured to work with AK Aviation to support EKAV and the people of Greece with our proven expertise in emergency aerial services. Our goal is to deliver safe, reliable, and efficient HEMS that make a real difference in people’s lives.”
AK Aviation, Avincis’ operational partner in Greece, welcomed the collaboration: “We are proud to work alongside Avincis to strengthen Greece’s emergency response infrastructure,” said a spokesperson for AK Aviation. “This partnership brings together local knowledge and international best practice to deliver world-class HEMS capabilities.”
Avincis’ entry into the Greek market underscores its ability to rapidly mobilise fleet and personnel across borders, reinforcing its position as a trusted partner to governments and institutions worldwide. With a fleet of more than 205 aircraft and operations spanning Europe, Africa, and South America, Avincis continues to set the standard for mission-critical emergency aerial services.
ABOUT AVINCIS:
As the largest provider of emergency aerial services in Europe – with additional operations in Africa and South America – Avincis’ areas of focus are helicopter emergency medical services, air ambulance services, search and rescue, aerial firefighting, as well as dedicated offshore aerial transport. Operating from more than 180 bases across Spain, Portugal, Italy, Norway, Sweden, Finland, Mozambique, Chile, and (now Greece), the company oversees operations from its headquarters in Lisbon, Portugal where it moved in 2023. With a fleet of approximately 205 aircraft (~165 helicopters) and (~40 aeroplanes), Avincis counts on a team of more than 2,400 courageous and talented professionals, including experienced pilots, crews, technicians, and support teams to deliver its unique service. With six decades of experience in the sector, Avincis has been instrumental in saving lives and protecting communities in some of the most challenging and remote environments on earth.
“This is a landmark moment for Avincis. We are honoured to work with AK Aviation to support EKAV and the people of Greece with our proven expertise in emergency aerial services. Our goal is to deliver safe, reliable, and efficient HEMS that make a real difference in people’s lives.”
John Boag
Avincis Group CEO
“This is a landmark moment for Avincis. We are honoured to work with AK Aviation to support EKAV and the people of Greece with our proven expertise in emergency aerial services. Our goal is to deliver safe, reliable, and efficient HEMS that make a real difference in people’s lives.”
John Boag
Avincis Group CEO