The launch of Scotland’s only charity-funded helicopter air ambulance has taken a step forward with a leading European aviation operator secured as a partner.
Bond Air Services has been awarded a contract to supply the new frontline service for an initial seven-year period.
The launch of a Perth Airport-based air ambulance to work alongside the Scottish Ambulance Service will see the country’s helicopter emergency medical response capability increased by 50%.
It will complement the existing Government-funded helicopters operated by SAS and based at Glasgow and Inverness.
A public appeal to fund the aircraft and its crew is gathering pace, with a number of donations already received.
Scotland’s Charity Air Ambulance (SCAA) chairman John Bullough said Bond, which has the contract for the two state-funded helicopter air ambulances, was “the perfect fit.”
“Bond Air Services was invited to tender along with four other aviation providers and proved the most suitable for our specific purpose and role.
“They also have an excellent safety and availability record, which means our life-saving charity can provide the very best and most reliable service possible to the public across Scotland.”
The Bond announcement coincides with the selection and training of a five-strong paramedic team to crew the helicopter, who have all been recruited from the Scottish Ambulance Service.
This week Bond flew a Bolkow 105 helicopter to Scotland to help with aviation specific training for the new air ambulance recruits at Perth Airport.
Around £1.5 million per annum is needed to fund the charity, and Mr Bullough urged trusts, businesses and the public to get behind this national resource.
“SCAA can’t fly without funding, and that will be down to each and every one of us in Scotland to get behind the charity and ensure that whenever and wherever tragedy strikes, we have the best possible chance of getting fast, efficient, life-saving resources to the scene,” he said.
“The public might need our help tomorrow, but we need their help today.”
Bond Air Services managing director Chris Greenhill added: “We are delighted to have been awarded this new contract and we believe our experience in delivering air ambulance operations in Scotland and around the UK will form a firm foundation upon which to build this new and exciting service.”
To donate or learn more about SCAA visit scaa.org.uk.