Mechanical ventilation of critically ill newborns on scheduled flights of commercial passenger aircraft.

Transport of critically sick neonates of any gestation on scheduled commercial passenger aircraft is practical, safe, and cost effective. There is no disruption to boarding or egress of passengers and no seats need be removed or rearranged. Civil Aviation and Federal Aviation Authority regulations are obeyed. Power supply modifications and strengthening of the transport incubator are necessary. Other standard neonatal intensive care equipment can be used in battery mode. Replacement of an endotracheal tube in-flight is not difficult.