The same source said that the aircraft, an Airbus H145 operated by Gulf Med, which was awarded the contract for emergency medical helicopter services until 2030 through a public tender, “is already flying”.

He further stated that “INEM will apply the penalties stipulated in the contract” for the several days that this helicopter, one of four that are part of the emergency medical air transport service, was out of service.

On December 6th, the National Institute of Medical Emergency (INEM) announced that this aircraft was "temporarily inoperable," adding that the team assigned to that Algarve base remained operational, ensuring assistance through a Medical Emergency and Resuscitation Vehicle (VMER).

At the time, the institute emphasized that the helicopter was recent and within the manufacturer's warranty period, "with the manufacturer being solely responsible for the necessary intervention and repairs."

The company Gulf Med attributed the aircraft's grounding to an "unexpected technical issue" that prevented its use, guaranteeing that it was making every effort to ensure that the manufacturer resolved the problem as quickly as possible.

The Loulé medical emergency helicopter is one of four that began operating fully on November 1st, daily for 24-hour periods, after a four-month delay.

In addition to the Loulé aircraft, the emergency helicopter transport contract provides for helicopters at the bases in Macedo de Cavaleiros, Viseu, and Évora.