Wiltshire Air Ambulance to retain current helicopter for at least three years

The Wiltshire Air Ambulance charity says it will continue to use its current Bell 429 helicopter until at least 2025.

It took delivery of the aircraft in 2015, when the organisation first became a standalone operation.

The announcement follows a review by the charity’s board and leadership team, which formed part of its three-year strategy launched last August.

The charity has used its Bell 429 since becoming a standalone operation in 2015.

Wiltshire Air Ambulance director of income generation and communications Barbara Gray said: “As part of our three-year strategy, we said we would hold a review into our helicopter.

“That has now been completed and we’ve decided that given the unknown economic impact of the global pandemic, it is not the right time to make a change.

“In 2025 the helicopter will be 10 years old and that feels like the right milestone to review the situation again.”

Wiltshire Air Ambulance has already increased the number of doctors on shift, a move which also features in the charity’s three-year strategy.

The aircrew has been strengthened by three hospital doctors - Maria Smith, Rosie Furse and Reuben Cooper – who had previously provided ad-hoc voluntary shifts for several years.

There are also succession plans being drawn up as the charity’s chairman is due to step down in 2023, and its chief executive is set to retire a year later.

For the 2021-22 financial year, Wiltshire Air Ambulance’s annual income target increased to £4 million, the equivalent of around £11,000 a day.

Barbara Gray added: “With fuel and energy bill rises, plus National Insurance increases and the cost of living going up, we know it’s going to be a tough year.

“However, we need your support more than ever, whether that’s through playing our lottery or raffle, by leaving a gift in your will or by joining our regular giving scheme.

“Without the generosity of the general public and local businesses, we wouldn’t be where we are today and with your ongoing support we can continue to be there for the people of Wiltshire, Bath and surrounding areas.”