Thames Valley Air Ambulance shows off new helicopter
The service - which covers Buckinghamshire - is joining just five other air ambulances in bringing its air operations in-house
Last updated 4th Oct 2022
Thames Valley Air Ambulance - which serves Buckinghamshire - is joining just five other air ambulances in bringing its air operations in-house, with an Air Operator Certificate.
Bringing the aviation operations in-house means Thames Valley Air Ambulance will be directly and legally responsible for all aspects of their operating approvals, and for the compliance and safety of the flight operations and the associated aircraft airworthiness management of the aircraft.
The charity says this means it'll give them the power and flexibility to make decisions about the aircraft based on their own data and working to their own timelines.
The current helicopter, G-TVAL, will be returned to Babcock International at the end of the contract and the charity will then bring its own aircraft online. The replacement helicopter, G-TVLY, will be kitted out with the same lifesaving equipment we currently use, and operate from their operations base at RAF Benson, north of Reading.
Amanda McLean, Thames Valley Air Ambulance CEO said:
“This next step in our evolution as an independent healthcare provider was necessary to ensure we can continue to offer the absolute best care to the people we treat. They deserve the very best, in their moment of need.
"Having our own helicopter was part of Thames Valley Air Ambulance’s long-term strategy to ensure we are as patient-centred and efficient as we can be. I’m delighted to be able to make this announcement during Air Ambulance Week when we celebrate the real difference our lifesaving charities make for the communities we serve."
Thames Valley Air Ambulance receives no regular Government or National Lottery funding and operates as an independent healthcare provider. As a charity, the organisation relies on the generosity of its supporters to keep its helicopter in the skies, as well as five Critical Care Response Vehicles on the road.