The AirCARE1 Story: Pioneering Clinical Excellence in Air Medical Transport
A Foundation Built on Firsthand Experience and Compassionate Care
AirCARE1 was founded with a clear purpose: to elevate the standard of medical air transport through clinical excellence, patient safety, and holistic, compassionate care. From the beginning, the company was shaped by the firsthand experience of a Flight Nurse founder who understood that patients and families need more than just transportation during those critical moments. They need to feel safe, receive expert medical care, and have total reassurance that they are being taken care of every step of the way.
Our Growth: Expanding Services with Unwavering Commitment
Established in 2004, AirCARE1 began operations out of Albuquerque, New Mexico, with its first medical flight. That first mission set in motion a new approach to air ambulance services, one combining highly skilled medical teams, rigorous operational oversight, and compassionate support for families throughout the entire transport process. As demand grew, AirCARE1 expanded to Phoenix, Arizona, where it is now headquartered. That growth was built on the trust of healthcare professionals, case managers, and families who rely on us for safe, compassionate air medical transport. AirCARE1 has grown into a premier medical air transport provider while remaining grounded in clinical excellence. With a fleet of Learjet 60 aircraft, we continue to invest in aviation safety, advanced clinical training, and operational excellence.
Key Achievements in Safety and Accreditation
- Perfect safety record since our first flight in 2004
- Operations under our own FAA Part 135 certificate
- Continuous CAMTS accreditation since 2007
- FAA-recognized Safety Management System
These milestones reflect our commitment to highly trained professionals, rigorous training, and a culture where safety and clinical excellence guide every mission.
Do what is right by our patients at all times as we transport them with exceptional care equal to or better than the best premiere medical facility.
Extending Expert Care: Commercial Medical Escort Services
Expanding its expert care to support more patients, AirCARE1 also offers Commercial Medical Escort services for those who need medical assistance while traveling on commercial flights. This service delivers the same attentiveness, compassion, and commitment to safety that define every AirCARE1 mission. With thousands of successful domestic and international transports, AirCARE1 has earned the trust of families, healthcare professionals, and business partners. Our clinicians, pilots, and flight concierge team work together to deliver safe, expert-led care with compassion.
Clinical Expertise: The Guiding Principle of AirCARE1
AirCARE1 was founded by Denise Waye, RN, BSN, an experienced critical care and Flight Nurse whose firsthand knowledge helped shape the company’s rigorous clinical standards. Having cared for patients herself in the air under high stress, Denise understood exactly what families needed during critical moments. She used that experience to create a consistent standard of care across every AirCARE1 flight. Today, that foundation is supported by standardized protocols, advanced training, strict compliance, and an experienced executive team, ensuring safety and clinical excellence remain central to every mission.
Denise Waye, RN, BSN
President & Founder
About AirCARE1 Founder, Denise Waye
Denise Waye has over 30 years of experience as a critical care nurse. She received her BSN degree from the University of New Mexico and has worked in a variety of critical care patient settings including ICU, CCU, ED, and as a flight nurse. Denise became a private pilot herself, a perspective that helped improve AirCARE1’s service offerings and ultimately, the patient experience. She is also a published author in the health field.
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