New charity air ambulance service to be launched from Aberdeen

A new air ambulance service is to be launched from Aberdeen International Airport early next year.

Scotland’s Charity Air Ambulance (SCAA) has agreed a four-year contract with helicopter operator Babcock, which will run and maintain the Helimed 79 service.

The organisation has so far been operating the country’s only charity-funded air ambulance service from Perth Airport since 2013.

A new aircraft – an EC135T2e – is predicted to launch in early 2020 from the north-east, which will be custom-designed for air ambulance operations with the latest medical technology and crewed with two trained paramedics.

SCAA chairman John Bullough said: “SCAA has enjoyed an efficient and effective service from Babcock for the charity’s existing air ambulance helicopter and we are pleased to extend that partnership to operate our second aircraft.

“The launch of Helimed 79 in early 2020 will mark the culmination of a three-year strategy at SCAA to deliver a second charity-funded air ambulance for Scotland.

“Babcock has been with us since day one and we’re delighted to entrust them with flying us into the future.

“Helimed 79 will provide a whole new level of air ambulance support in the north-east and bring hope and help to those most in need in communities throughout the whole of Scotland.”

Since 2013, the charity has responded to more than 2,200 emergencies and has worked alongside the Scottish Ambulance Service’s air fleet.