Tomás Pérez: Fuerteventura medical helicopter now officially secured

The long wait to equip Fuerteventura with a medical helicopter is finally coming to an end. The island’s Health Area Director, Tomás Pérez, confirmed on Friday that the contract has been signed and that the necessary procedures are now moving forward so the service can become a reality in the coming months.

Pérez stated that the agreement with the company awarded the service is already signed, adding, “today we expect it to be uploaded to the public procurement platform.”

“From now on the delivery timeline for the helicopter begins, while the Health Department works on selecting the medical and nursing staff who will operate the aircraft, and we are already actively working on that,” Pérez said during an emergency‑drill session held at the Technology Park. The event showcased the success of the U‑Elcome project, which will improve emergency care through the combined use of manned and unmanned aircraft.

The news represents a milestone for healthcare on Fuerteventura, where until now evacuations relied heavily on air assets based on other islands, lengthening response times in critical situations.

Empty Bids and Extended Deadlines

The process has not been without obstacles. In recent years, the tender for the medical helicopter went unawarded several times due to a lack of interested companies.

In 2025, the Canary Islands Health Service had to extend the bid submission deadline up to four times and revise the technical specifications to adjust the economic and operational conditions of the service.

Ultimately, an increased budget and a restructured competition have unlocked the process, paving the way for the helicopter to finally serve the island’s emergency needs.