The Essex and Herts Air Ambulance Trust (EHAAT) has purchased its own helicopter for the first time in the charity’s 20-year history.
The trust signed a contract with Medical Aviation Services (MAS) on Wednesday, March 30, to secure the £6 million Agusta Westland AW169 for its emergency operations.
A 10-year contract to lease an MD902 Explorer was also approved, and both helicopters will be ready to fly in June 2017, after current aircraft leases come to an end.
The purchase was made possible through fundraising as well as the charity’s successful bid for £1.5m from the Government’s Libor fund.
Rob Forsyth, EHAAT chair of trustees, said: “We simply couldn’t have reached this magnificent milestone were it not for the tremendous support we receive from the people and businesses of Essex and Hertfordshire. The new Agusta Westland AW169 will truly be their aircraft and we look forward to unveiling the new helicopter once it’s equipped, branded and ready to fly with us next summer.”
Both aircraft will be flown and maintained by MAS, which has been working in partnership with EHAAT for the last ten years.
Henk Schaeken, managing director of MAS, said: “EHAAT has selected the latest and best possible aircraft available and we are delighted to be able to continue our partnership with them.
“The Agusta Westland AW169 will ensure the charity’s crews will be able to provide an even greater level of service to the people of Essex and Hertfordshire.”
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