An Air Med airplane will carry the Olympic torch during its journey through Utah.

Several of the torch’s final stages will pass through Utah landmarks, such as the national parks and monuments in the southern regions of the state. Air transport of the torch between some of these stages is more desirable than other methods because of time constraints and remoteness of the sites.

According to Ken Matthews, Air Med’s program director, the organizers chose Air Med because of its important role in the community and an existing relationship between the organizers and Air Med. Talks about Air Med’s participation in the relay began two months ago.

“We have some connections with the torch relay group,” Matthews said.

The service will not affect Air Med’s normal operation because the particular aircraft, a fixed-wing airplane, is a backup and one of six aircraft in its fleet, Matthews said. Air Med increased its fleet from five to six aircraft for the Olympics.

The plane will pick up the torch on Feb. 4 at Grand Junction, Colorado. Stops in Utah include Canyonlands National Park, Arches National Park, Monument Valley Tribal Park and Bryce Canyon National Park. The torch’s final destination is the U’s Rice Eccles stadium, site of the Opening Ceremony.

Air Med is a division of University Hospital and serves the Intermountain region transporting patients during trauma, burn and medical emergencies. Its staff of 80 includes health-care providers, pilots, mechanics and administrators.