Babcock extend contract with Hampshire and Isle of Wight Air Ambulance

Babcock, a UK provider of specialist air ambulance operations, and Hampshire and Isle of Wight Air Ambulance (HIOWAA) have announced a three-year contract extension, starting this month.

This allows Babcock to continue to provide helicopter emergency medical service (HEMS) operations to the charity. Babcock will also provide HIOWAA with an Airbus H135 helicopter, fitted with Night Vision Goggles (NVIS) technology, maintenance and airworthiness management, engineering and highly trained pilots.

Director Babcock UK Onshore, Hayley Belmore, said: “This new contract sees a move to 19-hour operations on a full-time basis, providing a crucial service for the people of Hampshire and the Isle of Wight.

“We’ll ensure the continuity of the operation, from the maintenance of the aircraft to the management of the aeronautical team. This is a solid partnership, which confirms a relationship of trust between HIOWAA and Babcock.”

Richard Corbett, HIOWAA CEO, said: “Extending our flying hours to 19 hours a day, every day, will ensure we can continue to bring our critical care to those who need it most. With our aviation requirements in the safe hands of Babcock, our teams of doctors, paramedics, pilots and dispatch assistants can focus on saving lives in our region.”

HIOWAA celebrated 15 years of life-saving operations earlier this year.