Cornwall secures second air ambulance
The state-of-the-art AW169 has been collected from Leonardo's factory in Milan.
Cornwall Air Ambulance says its second helicopter has been officially handed over to the charity.
The AW169 has been collected from Leonardo's factory in Milan, and is now in Gloucester being fitted out for use over the next few months.
It comes as the charity's Heli2 appeal is now just under £200,000 off its target of £2.85m.
Paul Westaway, Consultant in Operations Projects at Cornwall Air Ambulance, said: “This has been an incredibly complex process involving every element of the aircraft from the build, to configurations, test flights, and the transfer back to the UK whilst making sure all aviation authority rules and regulations are met.
"It has been a pleasure to work with Leonardo, to be able to provide the very best possible AW169 helicopter for the people we serve, and we are incredibly grateful to the team for their hard work on delivering the aircraft.”
The air ambulance says the new helicopter is needed to help crews deliver more missions and provide advanced care – all with the ultimate aim of saving more lives.
Tim Bunting, Chief Executive of Cornwall Air Ambulance, said the public's support in raising the funds needed has been incredible: "This is a landmark moment for Cornwall Air Ambulance, as for the first time in the charity’s history we now own two state-of-the-art helicopters.
“I’d like to say a heartfelt thank you to the people of Cornwall, the Isles of Scilly, and beyond, who are helping us fund this second lifesaving helicopter.
"We’re so close now to raising the amount we need, and we hope you’re looking forward to seeing your new aircraft in the skies as much as we are when it becomes operational this summer.”