Opelousas Welcomes New Helicopter Operation

OPELOUSAS (AP) — The AirEvac Lifeteam helicopter has arrived in Opelousas.

The Advertiser reports Opelousas mayor Reggie Tatum and others say the arrival of the AirEvac Lifeteam signals the creation of 16 new jobs, a needed service and expanded uses, and fuel sales for the city's general aviation airport.

Tatum says he has worked toward this landing since before he won the December runoff election.

Airport manager Lloyd Ardoin says AirEvac's hub in Opelousas will allow it to better serve rural areas between there and Alexandria.

AirEvac Lifeteam is a large, privately owned medical transport service, with 116 locations in 15 states.

A company spokesman says AirEvac moved its operations into an existing hangar at Ahart Field airport and expects to begin operations within two weeks.