SkyBudi set to ‘revolutionise’ aeromedical transportation

Australian company SkyBudi is aiming to revolutionise aeromedical transportation with an innovative economy bed system which is set for ground and in-flight testing mid-year ahead of airline launch.

SkyBudi comprises a lightweight (10kg), rapidly deployable reclining support system that converts existing airline economy-class seats into a stable bed surface. It requires no aircraft cabin modification, with the unit stored in overhead baggage compartments when not in use.

The patented solution is designed to provide accessible, dignified, and clinically suitable comfort for passengers with mobility, medical, sensory or fatigue-related needs, says SkyBudi founder Andy Heath, a flight nurse with 20 years of experience across 3500 global aeromedical flights.

SkyBudi seeks to fill the mobility gap between clinical care and commercial airline travel for passengers who are clinically fit to fly, but physically unable to endure an economy-class seat or a business-class flatbed, says Heath.

“For decades, aviation accessibility has been a binary struggle — you are either a standard passenger or you are a complex case, for example requiring a commercial stretcher,” Mr Heath says.

The latter requires nine seats, engineering support, and hi-lift vehicles.

“It’s a logistical nightmare for airlines, and costs families well over $50,000,” Mr Heath says.

He developed the system after noticing most mature and medical patients prefered a semi-reclined position, as lying flat at altitude caused abdominal mass to press against the diaphragm, reducing lung expansion and oxygenation.

SkyBudi combines a semi-Fowler position to provide better ventilation, with elevated legs to reduce oedema, while EEG sleep tests have confirmed it supports sustained deep sleep.

SkyBudi’s journey started with the Qantas Avro program in 2017, which was designed to accelerate travel and technology startups.

“Early-stage failures provided critical insights into airline operations,” Mr Heath says. After pivoting, the solution underwent proof-of-concept developments with Virgin Australia.

SkyBudi is now in the pre-production phase, with Me Heath working with Friedman Research on aerospace safety requirements and patient transport leader Ferno on manufacturing. The final product is on track for ground and flight testing in Australia with an unnamed carrier around May/June. US market launch will follow in early 2027 with a “major US tier-one carrier” very interested, Mr Heath says.

SkyBudi places no operational burden on an airline, with the onboard installation and clinical care provided by a certified escort, Budi (from the Sanskrit word for “awakened one”). The proposed business model will see SkyBudi provided at no cost to airlines, with the solution hired by users with an endorsed medical escort. The Budi App will connect families, hospitals and insurers with certified escorts.

Replacing a business-class seat or a medical stretcher with the SkyBudi service will slash the cost of medical transport by 50-70 per cent, Mr Heath says.

“And because it’s a no-cost model for airlines, there are no barriers for the industry to adopt SkyBudi,” he adds.

“This is the most significant change for the commercial stretcher in 50 years. It was designed with a nurse and patient at the centre of it, and with airline and commercial benefits aligned.”