About

We deliver fully accredited aeromedical services throughout New Zealand, the South Pacific and beyond.
Our vision is that everyone who needs to fly for medical care can, quickly and reliably.
60,000 patients safely transported

Owned by Kiwis

Owned by Kiwis, including Generate’s KiwiSaver members, iwi, and superannuation funds, our group is proudly committed to reinvesting in the sector to meet the highest standards and add value for our customers.

With a history of over 60,000 patients safely transported within New Zealand and internationally, NZAAS holds an exemplary reputation as a leader in the air ambulance industry.

 

 

Over 35 years of excellence

Founded in 1988 by Mike Toogood and later joined by his daughter, Annabel Toogood, Skyline Healthcare Group began as a family business that has since developed into New Zealand's most capable and respected air ambulance and specialised air charter operator. From our humble beginnings in 1992, we have been pioneers in advanced jet air ambulances, setting the benchmark for excellence in both domestic and international markets.

Our diverse fleet includes jets and King Air turboprops, each equipped with state-of-the-art avionics and bespoke aeromedical fit-outs that set new standards in patient care. This commitment to innovation and quality has driven our ongoing growth, ensuring that we remain at the forefront of the industry.

Operating six bases across the country, NZAAS has been dedicated to flying patients to the care they need. The strength of Skyline Healthcare Group lies in our people—we employ an exceptional team of pilots, engineers, mission coordinators, medical staff, and operational experts. Supported by leading brands and a robust safety culture, their expertise ensures that each mission is executed to the highest standard.

Our impressive portfolio includes:

  • New Zealand Air Ambulance Service Ltd
  • MedAssist NZ
  • Skyline AeroMaintenance
  • Jet Charters NZ

With a reputation for dependability and over 35 years of excellence, the Skyline Healthcare Group continues to grow, delivering trusted, high-quality services across all corners of New Zealand, the South Pacific, and beyond.

 

Our team of senior leaders

  • Annabel

    Annabel Toogood

    Group CEO
    Annabel Toogood, Group CEO of Skyline Healthcare and Part 119 CEO under CAANZ, brings 15 years of expertise in aeromedical care. She has expanded operations, secured key contracts, and fostered strong client relationships across New Zealand and the South Pacific. With a focus on patient safety and service excellence, Annabel leads her team in setting new standards in air ambulance services and driving innovation in the sector.
  • team photo ross

    Dr. Ross Freebairn

    Medical Director
    MBchB, Dip Obst, FANZCA, FRCPE, FCIM
    Dr. Ross Freebairn is an Intensive Care Consultant at Hawke’s Bay Hospital and Associate Dean for Otago University. He also serves as the Medical Director for NZ Air Ambulance Service and holds leadership roles within critical care organisations across Asia and the Pacific. With extensive experience in ICU and global training programs, Dr. Freebairn remains dedicated to advancing critical care standards.
  • team photo shay

    Dr. Shay McGuinness

    Medical Director
    MBChB, FFICM, FRCA, FANZCA
    Dr. Shay McGuinness is the Clinical Director for NZ Air Ambulance Service and an intensive care specialist at Auckland City Hospital's Cardiothoracic and Vascular ICU. Since 2015, he has overseen clinical operations for air ambulance patient transports and offers telemedicine support to hospitals throughout the South Pacific.
  • team photo angela coward

    Angela Coward

    Director of Flight Nursing
    Angela Coward joined NZ Air Ambulance Service in 2015, bringing 18 years of critical care experience. She leads a skilled team of flight nurses, manages training, and oversees complex patient transfers, specialising in long-distance ICU transport on commercial flights.
  • Glen 2

    Glen Corke

    Chief Financial Officer
    Appointed in 2024, Glen Corke brings a wealth of global finance experience across multiple industries. He holds a Bachelor of Management Studies from the University of Waikato and has been a Chartered Accountant for over 20 years.
  • team photo emma

    Emma George

    Chief Operations Officer
    Emma George joined NZ Air Ambulance Service in 2023, bringing expertise in operations management from the horticulture and manufacturing sectors. Known for building high-performance teams, Emma focuses on process improvement and collaborative problem-solving to enhance organisational efficiency and achieve strategic goals.
  • Dylan

    Dylan Robinson

    Group Quality & Safety Manager
    Dylan Robinson brings extensive experience in aviation safety, starting as an Aeronautical Maintenance Engineer with Air New Zealand and advancing to a lead auditor and investigator role. With expertise in Safety Management Systems (SMS) and a commitment to aeromedical safety, Dylan ensures the effectiveness and continuous improvement of our Integrated Safety Management System, supporting a strong culture of safety and operational excellence.
  • Phil headshot

    Phil Slattery

    Maintenance Controller
    Phil Slattery oversees fleet maintenance, bringing 30 years of aeronautical engineering experience across diverse aircraft types. Since joining in 2015, he has been instrumental in establishing the maintenance division's NZCAA Part 145 certification.
  • Ryan

    Ryan Adams

    Flight Operations Manager
    Ryan Adams is a skilled Flight Operations Manager with a New Zealand ATPL and type ratings in C680, C510, and B200 aircraft. With over five years at NZAAS, Ryan is dedicated to delivering safe and exceptional aeromedical and charter flight operations.
  • team photo warwick wild

    Warwick Wild

    Check & Training Manager
    CAA FI/FE, ATPL
    Warwick Wild, an experienced flight examiner with an ATPL, oversees flight standards for NZAAS. With expertise in various aviation sectors, he ensures high operational standards through rigorous flight tests under Part 125 and 135 certifications.
  • Team Tom

    Tom Bridgeman

    Group Accountant
    Tom is a qualified Chartered Accountant who has been with the company since 2018.
    He began his career at BDO in Wellington, gaining a strong foundation in finance and accounting, before broadening his expertise with two years of international experience in Edinburgh.
    Tom brings a strategic and analytical approach to his role, driving continuous improvement and ensuring the company's financial operations run seamlessly.
  • Keith

    Keith Bartleet

    Engineering Manager
    Keith Bartleet, with 25 years of aviation experience, has been an essential part of the team since 2016. His expertise spans a range of aircraft, including Kingair 90, 200, 350; Cessna 510, 680; and engines such as the PT6 series, PW615F, PW306C, and FJ44-3AP. Keith played a key role in establishing our Part 145 Maintenance system, ensuring robust engineering standards across the fleet.

Our board of directors

  • team photo stuart

    Stuart McLauchlan

    Board Chair & Non-Executive Director
    Stuart Mclauchlan brings extensive experience as a board chair across both public and private sectors, having led organisations such as Pharmac, Helicopters New Zealand, Ngai Tahu Tourism, and UDC Finance. A qualified accountant with a Bachelor of Commerce from the University of Otago, Stuart is also a Chartered Fellow of the New Zealand Institute of Directors and a former President of the Institute.
  • team photo phil v2

    Phil Veal

    Board Director
    With a strong focus on small and mid-sized businesses, Phil Veal serves on the boards of Natural Habitats, Magic Memories, and Chapter Zero, the Institute of Directors' decarbonisation initiative. His background spans civil engineering, consulting, and investment banking, and he is also the Managing Director of Forthco, representing a diverse investor group in Skyline Healthcare.
  • team photo craig

    Craig Donaldson

    Board Director
    Craig Donaldson is a financial services veteran with leadership experience at global institutions like Merrill Lynch, Deutsche Bank, and the Royal Bank of Scotland. He currently advises and directs several New Zealand businesses, including Nikko Asset Management, the Icehouse Foundation, Jasper Property, and Craggy Range Vineyards. A licensed helicopter pilot, Craig previously chaired the Capital Group for the Waitematā District Health Board.
  • team photo michael

    Michael Stiassny

    Board Director
    BCom, LLB, CFInstD
    Michael has extensive business, financial, strategic advisory and governance experience. He is currently Chair of Tower Limited, 2 Cheap Cars Ltd and Director of Momentum Life Insurance Limited, Tegal Group Holdings Limited, and New Talisman Gold Mines Limited.

    With a keen interest in ensuring the justice system is accessible to everyone, Michael is a Director of leading New Zealand litigation funder, LPF Group Limited. He also dedicates significant time to start ups and championing entrepreneurship through his involvement in Founders Advisory.

    Michael holds both Commerce and Law degrees from the University of Auckland and is a Chartered Fellow and past President of the Institute of Directors.

Aircraft fleet