VAI Member Spotlight: LifePort, Washington, USA Company provides life support systems and aircraft interiors for various Airbus, Bell, and Leonardo helicopter operators. Licensed physician assistant Gary Darley supported patients in remote locations throughout his career, often needing to transport them by air to facilities that could provide higher levels of care. Over the years, it became clear to Darley that the emergency air medical industry needed a far more efficient and safer way to load and transport patients in aircraft. Darley founded LifePort in 1990 in Woodland, Washington, to meet this need. His flagship product in the company’s early days was the LifePort Patient Loading Utility System (PLUS), which propelled LifePort into the global air medical industry. LifePort’s air medical solutions include fixed-wing and rotary-wing patient loading and transport systems, stacking litter systems, medical and utility flooring, and medical seating products. The systems can be purchased separately, and the company can also provide modular lightweight medical interiors that include mounts and equipment, aerosled stretchers, cargo racks, flooring, and more. Helicopter Products For helicopters, LifePort offers air medical systems specific to both advanced life support (ALS) and basic life support (BLS) on the Airbus H130 and H125, Bell 407 and Bell 412, and Leonardo AW139. While the company launched with a focus on the air medical industry, LifePort has expanded into other markets, as well. It also designs, manufactures, and installs ballistic protection systems for aircraft, boats, and ground vehicles. LifePort’s aircraft-interior offerings include custom cabinetry and seating for VIP aircraft, as well as aircraft monuments and galleys. Today, the company supports aerospace OEMs, air ambulance operators, law enforcement agencies, government contractors, US military branches, and international military units. Custom Options With a strong background in design and engineering, LifePort helps operators develop custom solutions in addition to providing its engineering services for entrepreneurs and companies looking to bring their own ideas to life. LifePort’s team will work to design, prototype, certify, qualify, test, and inspect products on a custom basis. Because many of LifePort’s products are made of lightweight, rugged composites, the company possesses advanced composites manufacturing capabilities, including with an autoclave and an ultra–high-pressure platen press, in addition to a line of advanced manufacturing machines, from CNC (computer numerical control) mills to routers, and internal sanding, spraying, and paint booths. Gary’s son, Jason Darley, CEO of LifePort, now helms the company and its divisions. Jason is dedicated to continuing the company’s tradition of innovation and global support.
