Pilatus Aircraft began flight testing the first of six PC-24 light jets that will be delivered to the Swedish air ambulance organization Kommunalförbundet Svenskt Ambulansflyg (KSA) next year.

The flight of the aircraft, which is sporting the Swedish national colors of yellow and blue, marked an important milestone for Pilatus, which worked to meet a tight production schedule despite disruptions from the Covid-19 pandemic, the Swiss manufacturer said. Pilatus will complete a series of flight tests before transferring the aircraft to Aerolite for the installation of the medevac interior.

KSA is the third organization to order the PC-24 for medevac use, following the Royal Flying Doctor Service of Australia and the U.S. North Slope Borough Search and Rescue Department. Equipped with a large cargo door to facilitate loading and unloading, the aircraft can accommodate three patients, along with medical personnel, Pilatus said.