PHI Air Medical
PHI Air Medical is a U.S. air ambulance operator (subsidiary of PHI, Inc.) providing emergency and critical care helicopter transport from 80+ bases to hospitals, EMS agencies, and communities, serving over 22,500 patients annually.
- Company typePrivate
- Founded1949
- HeadquartersPhoenix, United States
- Headcount1,001–5,000
- GTM typeB2B and B2C
- OfferingServices
What PHI Air Medical does
PHI Air Medical, LLC is a U.S. air ambulance and medevac operator headquartered in Tempe, Arizona, and a subsidiary of PHI, Inc. (founded 1949). The company provides emergency and critical care air medical transport using a fleet of 100+ helicopters (EC-135, S-76C, AS-350, BK-117) operating from 80+ bases across the United States, transporting more than 22,500 patients annually and logging over 12.5 million flight hours — the most of any private company in the sector. PHI serves hospital systems, EMS agencies, government and law enforcement agencies, and individual consumers through three distinct B2B program models: Traditional Program Management (customer-branded aircraft with PHI-provided aviation staff), Independent Program Management (PHI-operated community programs in 9 states), and Cooperative Program Management (customizable hybrid with profit-sharing), plus the PHI Cares household membership program for direct-to-consumer protection against out-of-pocket transport costs.
The company's technology stack combines aviation-grade communication and tracking systems (Outerlink GPS satellite uplink, four regional communications centers, 100% Night Vision Goggle-equipped fleet) with clinical workflow tools (FlyPHI mobile app for transport requests and patient tracking, Family Trax real-time loved-one tracking, Psychomotor Vigilance Testing for fatigue mitigation). Training infrastructure includes the Loft Dynamics full-motion VR flight simulator at the Mesa, Arizona base — the first such installation in the Americas — and PHI's self-developed Enhanced Operational Control Risk Matrix, which has been adopted by the FAA as an industry standard. Specialty clinical capabilities include the first U.S. air-medical ECMO transport in an EC-135, standard-of-care blood products on board, intra-aortic balloon pump and Impella services, and a patient navigation transfer center service.
PHI generates revenue through a mix of transaction-based fees for transport services, managed services for hospital program management, and recurring subscription revenue from PHI Cares memberships. It maintains CAMTS accreditation across multiple states, holds the Vision Zero Aviation Safety Award (won twice, first recipient), and operates a non-profit 501(c)(3) Yellow and Black Giving Back Foundation established in 2021. The company's safety record is reported as well below the national accident rate average, and it trains pilots twice per year versus the FAA-required once.
PHI Air Medical firmographics
Firmographics- Name
- PHI Air Medical
- Legal name
- PHI Air Medical, LLC
- Website
- https://phiairmedical.com
- Company type
- Private
- Founded year
- 1949
- Operating status
- Operating
- Headcount range
- 1,001–5,000 employees
- Short description
- PHI Air Medical is a U.S. air ambulance operator (subsidiary of PHI, Inc.) providing emergency and critical care helicopter transport from 80+ bases to hospitals, EMS agencies, and communities, serving over 22,500 patients annually.
- Ownership category
- akta.pro rank
PHI Air Medical industry classification
Industry- Product category
- Air Ambulance Services
- NAICS
- Ambulance Services (62191), Other Nonscheduled Air Transportation (481219)
- SIC
- Air Transportation, Nonscheduled (4522), Services-Health Services (8000)
- akta.pro primary industry
- Air Medical Transport (Helicopter/Fixed-Wing) (HLAFANAD)
- akta.pro secondary industries
- Interfacility Transport (IFT) & Patient Transfer Services (HLAFANAF), Critical Care Transport (CCT) & Specialty Transport Teams (HLAFANAE), Medical Air Transport (Air Ambulance/Patient Transfer) (TLAFABAG)
Keywords
Where PHI Air Medical is headquartered
LocationHeadquarters
- HQ city
- Phoenix
- HQ country
- United States
- HQ region
- North America
Offices6 records
Markets served
PHI Air Medical business model
Business model- GTM type
- B2B and B2C
- Offering type
- Services
- Cost components
- Personnel, Operations, Infrastructure, Technology or R&D, Marketing or Sales
Revenue model
- Air Medical Transport Services: Fee-for-service air ambulance and medevac transport services. Revenue generated through transport fees based on flight time (skids up to skids down billing model), fixed monthly fees for program management, and hourly charges. Also includes reimbursement through insurance claims, Medicare/Medicaid, and direct patient billing following No Surprises Act regulations.
- PHI Cares Membership Program: Annual membership subscription protecting families from out-of-pocket costs for air ambulance services. One membership covers entire household. Provides revenue predictability while offering patients financial protection from balance bills.
- Hospital Program Management Services: Three program models generating revenue: Traditional (fixed monthly fee plus hourly charge), Cooperative (sliding scale reimbursement matrix with profit sharing), and Independent (service fees from end users). Customizable staffing and vehicle selection options.
Pricing tiers
| Model | Billing | Price |
|---|---|---|
| Subscription | Annual | PHI Cares Membership - Household protection plan |
| Usage-based | Monthly | Traditional Program Management - Fixed monthly fee plus hourly flight charges |
| Hybrid | Monthly | Cooperative Program Management - Customizable sliding scale model |
Go-to-market motion3 records
Distribution channels5 records
Marketing channels8 records
PHI Air Medical product offering
Product offeringCore offering
PHI Air Medical provides emergency and critical care air medical transport services using a fleet of 100+ helicopters and fixed-wing aircraft operating from 80+ bases across the United States, serving more than 22,500 patients per year. The company partners with hospital systems and EMS agencies through three program management models (Traditional, Cooperative, and Independent) and offers the PHI Cares household membership program protecting families from out-of-pocket air ambulance costs, the FlyPHI mobile app for transport requests, and Family Trax for real-time loved-one tracking.
Differentiator
Problem solved
Functional benefit
Brands
- FlyPHI: Smartphone application for hospital and EMS partners to request air medical transport, deploy aircraft, and track patients from scene to hospital.
- Family Trax
- PHI Cares Membership
- Destination Zero
Products and services
- Air Medical Transport Services Emergency and critical care air medical transport services using a fleet of 100+ helicopters (EC-135, S-76C, AS-350, BK-117) and fixed-wing aircraft from 80+ bases across the United States, transporting more than 22,500 patients per year for hospitals, EMS agencies, and communities.
- Traditional Program Management (TPM) Partnership model in which PHI provides the aircraft, pilots, and mechanics and the hospital customer supplies clinicians, medical equipment, and medical direction; billed as a fixed monthly fee plus hourly flight charges.
- Cooperative Program Management (CPM) Customizable hybrid partnership model offering an a la carte menu of PHI services including staffing, equipment, and aviation, with profit sharing through a sliding-scale reimbursement matrix based on flight volume, distance, and payor mix.
- Independent Program Management (IPM) Community-based air medical program model in which PHI operates and manages every aspect — aircraft, clinical and aviation staff, equipment, licensing, and program oversight — across 44 independent bases in 9 states, funded through service user fees without cost to EMS or hospital customers.
- FlyPHI Mobile App Smartphone application for hospital and EMS partners (and available to consumers) enabling faster request of air medical transport, deployment of aircraft, and tracking of patients from scene to hospital.
- Family Trax Industry-first real-time tracking feature that lets friends and family monitor a loved one's air or ground medical transport via a mobile phone hyperlink — no app download required.
- PHI Cares Membership Annual household membership program protecting families from out-of-pocket costs associated with air ambulance services, covering the entire household under a single subscription.
- Patient Financial Services Patient advocacy service where dedicated Patient Advocates help patients navigate insurance, resolve bills, and find payment solutions following an air medical transport.
- PHI Patient Navigation (Transfer Center Services) Transfer center service that combines cutting-edge technology, advanced analytics, and skilled clinicians to enhance hospital systems' patient transfer workflows and profitability.
- PHI Intensive Learning (PHIL) Simulator Mobile intensive care learning simulator featuring PHIL (adult), PHILIS (high-risk OB), and PHILIP (pediatric) human patient simulator mannequins; the first such simulator in the United States, used for CEU programs and community safety education.
Quantifiable outcome
- 22,500+ patients transported annually
- +4 more outcomes
Companies that use PHI Air Medical
Customer profileNamed customers12 records
Segments4 records
Ideal customer profiles3 records
PHI Air Medical technology and API
TechnologyTechnology focussed No
API detail
- Has API
- No
- API docs
- API detail
Core technology
AI maturity
App detail
Integration4 records
Feature9 records
PHI Air Medical partnerships and signals
Strategic signalPartnerships
Nine partnerships are on record, tiered core and minor.
- Loft DynamicscorePartnership for VR flight simulators for pilot training as part of PHI's innovation in safety training programs.
- Loft DynamicscorePHI Air Medical became the first air medical operator in the Americas to implement full-motion VR flight simulation for pilot training using Loft Dynamics' FAA- and EASA-qualified VR simulator installed at Mesa, Arizona base. The program provides pilots 24/7 access to immersive, scenario-based practice for complex missions including zero-visibility landings, high-altitude rescues, and night operations with NVGs. PHI is working with its local FAA office to integrate the VR simulator into its approved Part 135 training program.
- PHI, Inc.corePHI Air Medical is a subsidiary of PHI, Inc., one of the world's leading helicopter services companies. PHI, Inc. provides industry leadership in safety, maintenance support services, and operational expertise spanning offshore Oil and Gas, onshore mining, International, Air Medical, and Technical Services industries.
- Colt International / FBO NetworkminorPHI Air Medical's affiliation with Colt International and their FBO network provides nationwide and international jet aviation fuel price discounts.
- World Fuel CardsminorPartnership for jet fuel procurement providing aviation fuel price discounts across the network.
- Department of Defense (DoD)corePHI Health is a DoD SkillBridge Partner, collaborating with the Department of Defense to provide valuable training and work opportunities for transitioning service members. Structured programs allow service members to gain industry-specific skills and experience during their final six months of military service.
- Hospital and EMS PartnerscoreLong-term partnerships with hospital systems (Cleveland Clinic, Medical City Healthcare, Atlantic Health, etc.) and EMS agencies providing air medical transport services. Many partnerships span decades.
- CAMTS (Commission on Accreditation of Air Medical Transport Services)corePHI Air Medical maintains accreditation through CAMTS, which sets standards for air medical transport safety and operations.
- AAMS (Association of Air Medical Services)corePHI Air Medical is a member of AAMS, the leading association for air medical services industry advocacy and standards.
Scale indicators8 records
Recent moves8 records
Expansion highlights5 records
PHI Air Medical competitors and assessment
Company assessmentDirect peers
- Med-Trans Corporation: Nationwide air medical transport operator owned by Global Medical Response; competes head-to-head with PHI for hospital system and community base contracts.
- Air Methods Corporation: Largest US air ambulance operator operating rotor-wing and fixed-wing transports from hundreds of bases; directly competes with PHI across hospital, EMS, and community program models.
- Air Evac Lifeteam: Large air ambulance operator focused on rural and community-based helicopter EMS; similar Independent Program Management-style footprint to PHI's 44 community bases.
- LifeNet Air Medical Services: Air ambulance operator providing rotor-wing and fixed-wing transports across the south-central US; competes with PHI for hospital partnerships and community program contracts.
- REACH Air Medical Services: Regional air medical operator on the West Coast merged into Global Medical Response; offers helicopter and fixed-wing transport with comparable hospital partnership models.
Regional players
- CareFlight Medical Services: Hospital-based air and ground critical care transport program serving the Dayton, Ohio region; comparable academic medical center partnership model and clinical capability profile.
- Boston MedFlight: Non-profit critical care transport provider serving the Northeast US with helicopter and fixed-wing ICU-level transports; comparable clinical capability and interfacility focus.
- AirMed International: Fixed-wing air ambulance and commercial medical escort provider operating globally; comparable in specialty critical care repatriation and patient transfer services.
Broad incumbents
- GMR (Global Medical Response): Largest US emergency medical services conglomerate owning Air Methods, Med-Trans, REACH, and ground ambulance assets; broader portfolio competitor to PHI across air and ground medical transport.
Others
- PHI, Inc. (parent): Strategic parent company of PHI Air Medical, providing aviation maintenance, offshore oil and gas, and international air medical operations across 42 countries.
Market position
Strengths5 records
Weaknesses5 records
Competitive moat6 records
Key risks6 records
Key highlights6 records
Customer concentration
PHI Air Medical social profiles
Digital presencePHI Air Medical compliance and trust
Trust signalCompliance10 records
PHI Air Medical financial estimates
Financial estimateRevenue estimate
Valuation estimate
PHI Air Medical leadership team
Management profileNumber of profiles
Profiles12 records
PHI Air Medical subsidiaries and ownership
Company hierarchySubsidiaries2 records
PHI Air Medical funding detail
Funding detailFunding overview
Funding rounds
Investors
Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →
PHI Air Medical M&A and investment
M&A and investmentM&A
Investments
M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →
Frequently asked questions about PHI Air Medical
What does PHI Air Medical do?
PHI Air Medical provides emergency and critical care air medical transport services using a fleet of 100+ helicopters and fixed-wing aircraft operating from 80+ bases across the United States, serving more than 22,500 patients per year. The company partners with hospital systems and EMS agencies through three program management models (Traditional, Cooperative, and Independent) and offers the PHI Cares household membership program protecting families from out-of-pocket air ambulance costs, the FlyPHI mobile app for transport requests, and Family Trax for real-time loved-one tracking.
Is PHI Air Medical a public or private company?
PHI Air Medical is a private company. It is classified as corporate owned and is currently operating.
When was PHI Air Medical founded?
PHI Air Medical was founded in 1949. It employs 1,001 to 5,000 people.
Where is PHI Air Medical based?
PHI Air Medical is headquartered in Phoenix, United States, in the North America region.
How does PHI Air Medical make money?
Three revenue lines are on record. Air Medical Transport Services are the primary driver. The others are PHI Cares Membership Program and hospital Program Management Services.
Who are PHI Air Medical's main competitors?
Direct peers on record are Med-Trans Corporation, Air Methods Corporation, Air Evac Lifeteam, LifeNet Air Medical Services and REACH Air Medical Services. Regional players are CareFlight Medical Services, Boston MedFlight and AirMed International. GMR (Global Medical Response) is listed as a broad incumbent. PHI, Inc. (parent) is listed as an others.
Does PHI Air Medical have an API?
No public API is recorded for PHI Air Medical.
What industry is PHI Air Medical in?
PHI Air Medical's product category is Air Ambulance Services. Its primary akta.pro industry code is HLAFANAD, Air Medical Transport (Helicopter/Fixed-Wing), with a secondary code of HLAFANAF, Interfacility Transport (IFT) & Patient Transfer Services. Its NAICS code is 62191 and its SIC code is 4522.