English air ambulance charity to build new base in Yeovil

English air ambulance charity DSAA has announced its intention to develop a new base in Yeovil, in the county of Somerset.

The new base will be located on land owned by helicopter manufacturer Leonardo, with the charity signing a rent-free 35-year lease on the property, which permits DSAA to operate “independently” from Leonardo for the full duration of the lease.

DSAA stated that the move to Yeovil followed “careful consideration, ‎operational analysis, and a vision to secure a sustainable and future-proof home for our ‎lifesaving service.”

The base will feature “purpose-built spaces for patient interaction, training, operational coordination, and community engagement”. It also offers excellent aircraft coverage and road access.

Ahead of the new base’s construction, the charity plans to launch a public consultation in mid-2026, and work to secure planning permission and raise the necessary funds.

Upon completion, the base will replace DSAA’s existing facilities at Henstridge Airfield. The charity will continue to operate from that site until the new site is completed.

“We want to assure the people of Yeovil and our wider community that we are committed ‎to working transparently and collaboratively with all stakeholders throughout the ‎process,” said Charles Hackett, CEO of DSAA. He added that the consultation would “give residents ‎and stakeholders the chance to view the emerging proposals, ask questions, and share ‎their views”.

Progress on second helicopter

DSAA also announced that the charity’s second helicopter was due to begin operations this summer.

The aircraft has successfully undergone test flights, and is due to be transported to Gama Aviation’s facility at Gloucestershire Airport, where it will be configured for helicopter emergency medical services (HEMS).

DSAA launched a fundraising campaign to support the purchase of the new helicopter in September 2025.