Air Methods Reports 3Q2009 Results and 4Q2...(generated from internal projects increas...),Health

The Company also provided an update on October 2009 flight volume. Total community-based transports during October 2009 were 3,065 compared with 3,495 during October 2008. Same-Base Transports decreased 489 transports or 15%, while weather cancellations for these same bases increased by 636 transports. Weather cancellations almost doubled as compared with the prior-year month, reflecting very severe weather conditions.

Aaron Todd, Chief Executive Officer, stated, "We are pleased with the continued strength in our financial performance through the third quarter of 2009. Despite more severe weather and the lack of hurricane response activities in the current-year quarter compared with the prior-year quarter, the Company has achieved strong earnings growth. Our cost reduction initiatives continue to improve our operating margins and our fleet rejuvenation and conversion activities will be ongoing throughout future periods. Our strong cash flows from operating activities of $52 million has allowed the Company to repay its line of credit in full, while also providing liquidity to finance aircraft purchases and safety technology upgrades. Although we experienced our most severe weather month of the entire year during October, our Same-Base Transports would have increased by over 4% absent the increase in weather cancellations."

The Company will discuss these results in a conference call scheduled today at 4:15 p.m. Eastern. Interested parties can access the call by dialing (877) 883-0656 (domestic) or (706) 643-8826 (international) or by accessing the web cast at www.airmethods.com. A replay of the call will be available at (800) 642-1687 (domestic)
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