NEW YORK and PITTSBURGH, Sept. 29, 2026 — MD ONBOARD, an aviation medical and security advisory company, and wholly owned subsidiary of Northwell Health, today announced that it will absorb the aviation services business line of UPMC’s STAT-MD.
UPMC further announced a strategic investment in MD ONBOARD, establishing MD ONBOARD as the foremost aviation medical advisory service provider — now backed by two of the most respected integrated health systems in the U.S.
The consolidation unites MD ONBOARD’s physician-led, next-generation aviation technology platform, with STAT-MD’s more than 40 years of experience managing inflight and gate-side medical events.
UPMC’s strategic investment in MD ONBOARD reflects its recognition of MD ONBOARD as the future of technology-enabled aviation medical support. STAT-MD’s clients and operations will transition to the MD ONBOARD platform, ensuring continuity of service while gaining access to the most advanced clinical decision-support technology available to the industry.
“As the next-generation, state-of-the-art service provider, we are delighted to join forces with STAT-MD, which brings one of the deepest clinical histories in aviation health,” said Grant Jeffery, CEO of MD ONBOARD. “By integrating STAT-MD’s experience into the MD ONBOARD ecosystem, we are creating an advanced, connected and robust platform for airlines, ensuring that medical recommendations and advice provided in complex aviation environments are backed by trusted expertise, data, and real-time digital decision support.”
As the forward-facing brand for aviation medical support, MD ONBOARD delivers a comprehensive, ground-based, aviation-focused medical advisory service. Jim Houser, President, Center For Emergency Medicine of Western Pennsylvania, said, “STAT-MD has supported major airline carriers globally for more than 40 years and manages thousands of inflight and gate-screening cases every month. Through this consolidation, we are building on that proven foundation while recognizing the strength of MD ONBOARD’s solution to deliver a broader, physician-led and technology-enabled aviation health service for the future.”
For airlines, bringing these capabilities together under a single, health system-backed provider reduces fragmentation across medical advisory services, passenger health assessment, onboard emergency response, crew training, and post-event reporting. Connecting gate screening, inflight medical events, clinical governance, crew well-being, and reporting reflects a broader shift in aviation health— from reactive emergency response to proactive, data-supported health and safety management.
Northwell Health and UPMC, two of the largest and most innovative health systems in the U.S., are defining the most advanced model for global aviation health, placing medical preparedness, clinical depth and digital health capability at the forefront of the next phase of aviation safety.
About MD ONBOARD
MD ONBOARD is a leader in aviation medical and security advisory solutions, dedicated to enhancing inflight safety for both commercial and business aviation worldwide. Through MD ONBOARD’s proprietary next-generation platform, an award-winning team of aviation-trained paramedics and emergency physicians provide real-time remote advice. MD ONBOARD also provides state-of-the-art diagnostics, and comprehensive training to equip crew members with the information needed to manage inflight medical emergencies. With a commitment to quality and innovation, MD ONBOARD, a fully owned subsidiary of Northwell Health, one of the foremost health systems in the U.S., partners with airlines, aviation organizations and industry partners to improve passenger safety and crew readiness globally. For more information, visit https://mdonboard.com/ and follow us on LinkedIn.
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Sandy Dell
Senior Director of Marketing and Communications
About STAT-MD
As part of UPMC’s Center for Emergency Medicine, STAT-MD delivers specialized physician-directed ground-based medical support to the commercial and executive airline industry. STAT-MD’s physicians are experts in emergency medicine, with direct access to world-renowned specialists across UPMC, enabling a comprehensive approach to care. Services include fitness-to-fly evaluations, real-time in-flight medical consultation, support for volunteer assistance on board, guidance for diversion control, and on-ground medical assistance. These offerings ensure flight crews, airlines, and passengers benefit from expert care and medical decision-making for both routine and urgent needs during air travel.
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Beth Mausteller
Senior Manager, Media Relations
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