1981 - Mercy Flight founded. In service 12 hours per day, one Bell 206B Jet Ranger (902 EH) was staffed by three LaSalle ambulance paramedics and two pilots.

Late 80's - 902EH replaced by a Bell Long Ranger (N201 N).

1991 - First twin-engine helicopter placed in service. Eurocopter BO-105 (N505TJ) provided greater power, speed, range, reliability & eliminated weight limitations of a single-engine aircraft.

1993 - Second BO-105 acquired.

2007 - BK-117 added to our fleet. This helicopter flies faster, reduces response times, can carry additional crew members and allows greater patient access during flight. The BK is ideal for use by Children's Hospital ICN and STAT teams.

2011 - With our oldest BO105 helicopter approaching thirty-four years old, a long-term aircraft replacement plan was instituted.  We acquired a brand new, state-of-the-art Bell 429 and a previously owned BK117 while we began the process of transitional away from our older aircraft that were becoming very expensive to maintain. The purchase of these aircraft by Mercy Flight Western New York would not have been possible without the support of our community and special, long-term financing from the United States Department of Agriculture - Rural Development and M&T Bank. 

Mercy Flight's long relationship with the New York State Police and Erie County Sheriff's Dept allows us to team up in order to provide additional resources should the need arise.  These two helicopters can be quickly supplemented by Mercy Flight medical personnel and equipment to enhance our medical transport capabilities. 

Transports beyond Cleveland, Pittsburgh or Syracuse may be accomplished through the use of fixed wing aircraft.  We coordinate ground ambulance transportation at both ends and staff the plane with our medical flight teams and equipment.