Prince William’s new role with air ambulance

THE Duke of Cambridge returns to the skies today as he begins his new job as an air ambulance co-pilot.

William began a civilian pilot course in September before undergoing dedicated 999-response training in order to take up the role with the East Anglian Air Ambulance (EAAA).

He has now completed the t r ai ning and is expected to report for his first day of duty, based at Cambridge Airport.

The former RAF search and rescue helicopter pilot will work as a co-pilot, transporting patients to hospital from emergencies ranging from road accidents to heart attacks. He will work alongside pilot and a team of

a medics flying missions over Norfolk, Suffolk, Cambridgeshire and Bedfordshire.

He is employed by Bond Air Services, which operates the air ambulance on behalf of the charity and will be paid a salary, which he will donate in full to good causes.

Patrick Peal, EAAA chief executive, said: “This is really good news for the char it y and we are delighted His Highness has decided to fly with us.

“We are confident this will help raise the profile of the charity and other air ambulance charities in the region and across the UK.”

The EAAA needs to raise £7.5 million a year to continue its work.