Gama Aviation awarded ScotSTAR operations contract
The Scottish Ambulance Service (SAS) has given an air ambulance flight services contract to Gama Aviation
Gama Aviation will serve as the new operations partner for the SAS’s ScotSTAR air ambulance service in 2026. Under the terms of the arrangement, Gama Aviation will supply a set of new aircraft to operate the service.
The new fleet will consist of two Beechcraft King Air 360 fixed-wing turboprops and two Airbus H145 D3 helicopters, stationed at bases in Aberdeen, Glasgow and Inverness.
The new aircraft will offer improved range and endurance, as well as improvements to support the transport of bariatric patients, and operations in poor weather.
“We are delighted to announce that Gama has been awarded our air ambulance contract,” said Kenny Mitchell, General Manager, ScotSTAR. “This will allow us to continue to provide the best service to the people of Scotland, including those in some of the most remote and rural areas of the country.”
Neil Gray, Health Secretary for the Scottish government, added: “I am pleased to see the SAS have awarded the air ambulance contract to Gama Aviation – this is a vital lifesaving service which reaches all areas and islands of Scotland. The introduction of new aircraft will help to ensure the latest innovation and technology continues to further improve patient safety.”
ScotSTAR celebrated the 90th anniversary of its first mission last year.
Oliver Cuenca
Oliver Cuenca is a Junior Editor at AirMed&Rescue. He was previously a News and Features Journalist for the rail magazine IRJ until 2021, and studied MA Magazine Journalism at Cardiff University. His favourite helicopter is the AW169 – the workhorse of the UK air ambulance sector! He also led the creation of Waypoint: The AirMed&Rescue podcast, serving as its Production Editor and co-host.