Cornwall Air Ambulance contracts for AW169
SAS to provide Cornwall Air Ambulance with an AW169 starting in 2019.
UK-based Specialist Aviation Services (SAS) has announced its selection as the preferred bidder by Cornwall Air Ambulance to provide an AW169 under a 10-year contract starting in 2019.
The decision followed a competitive tendering process carried out by Cornwall Air Ambulance Trust ahead of the end of the existing contract with SAS. The new ship will replace the charity’s MD902 Explorer based at Newquay Airport.
SAS said the AW169 will be customised with a fully adaptable medical interior, providing a spacious, bright cabin, easy loading and all round patient access. The firm is already operating four HEMS AW169s, and said further aircraft will enter service in 2018. The deal with Cornwall Air Ambulance brings the number of AW169s so far confirmed for UK service by SAS to a total of nine helicopters.
Paula Martin, chief executive for the Cornwall Air Ambulance Trust, said: “Everyone at the Charity is excited about the benefits the AW169 will bring to the patient. We now look forward to the next steps and formalising our decision in the coming weeks."