Dorset and Somerset Air Ambulance reveal plans to expand operations
Plans include a new operational base and a second helicopter
Dorset and Somerset Air Ambulance (DSAA) has revealed plans to expand operations with the introduction of a new base in Yeovil and a second helicopter.
With demand for their services tripling over the past decade, the charity aims to close the gap for patients who need life-saving care but may currently be out of reach.
New operational base planned for Yeovil
DSAA has secured a 35-year agreement to move their operations to the Leonardo UK site in Yeovil, benefiting from no rental costs thanks to support from Leonardo. The new facility will incorporate spaces for patient care, training, and community engagement, while also offering excellent aircraft coverage and rapid road deployment for Dorset and Somerset.
The site development will depend on public consultation in mid-2026, followed by fundraising and planning permission. In the meantime, DSAA will continue operating from Henstridge Airfield with support from Geoff Jarvis and the local community.
Second helicopter set to launch in 2026
The charity’s ongoing plans include the arrival of their second helicopter. Testing has already begun, and further equipment customisation will take place at Gloucestershire Airport before it becomes operational in Summer 2026.
DSAA has allocated £30 million of reserves to fund these developments, ensuring the future resilience of its service.
Collaboration and community support
Charles Hackett, CEO of DSAA, expressed gratitude for longstanding support from stakeholders: “Firstly, and most importantly, we want to express our sincere thanks for the wonderful support we have received and continue to receive from Geoff Jarvis at Henstridge Airfield and the local community. Their support has taken us from our humble beginnings as a very small operation, flying only a few hours a day, to a transformation in care for our patients. Today, DSAA is one of the most advanced air ambulances services in the UK, touching thousands of lives every year.
"We want to assure the people of Yeovil and our wider community that we are committed to working transparently and collaboratively with all stakeholders throughout the process. To this end, DSAA will be launching a public consultation in mid-2026, giving residents and stakeholders the chance to view the emerging proposals, ask questions, and share their views. We hope the consultation will help shape our plans and build backing for the new facility, designed to support our life-saving service for years to come.”
With these major developments under way, DSAA aims to increase patient reach and ensure critical care access for those in need across Dorset and Somerset.