The Voice of Spalding and South Holland
Lincolnshire and Nottinghamshire Air Ambulance charity expects to have a new helicopter operational by the end of this year.
The AgustaWestland 169 is bigger, faster, and has greater endurance than the MD902 helicopter it will replace and will allow the crew to have 360-degree access to the patient in-flight.
Chief executive Karen Jobling said: “It is a very exciting time for us as we near the day that the AW169 will be operational and will be seen flying above the skies of Lincolnshire and Nottinghamshire.
“The new aircraft has many benefits which will increase the level of care and treatment that we can give to patients, directly impacting upon their chances of survival and recovery.
“It is thanks to the support of everyone who has raised funds for our charity that we can invest in this aircraft which will make such a difference to so many lives.”
The AW169 was flown to the UK from Italy on Friday (Sept 30) and is undergoing a six-week internal medical fit so that it is ready to respond to emergencies.
Once that is complete, the new aircraft will be flown to its new home at RAF Waddington where the charity’s pilots and critical care team of paramedics and doctors will have extensive training on it while still responding to emergencies in the current helicopter.
