KSS purchases second helicopter
The acquisition of the previously leased rotorcraft follows the air ambulance charity’s successful fundraising efforts
England’s Air Ambulance Charity Kent Surrey Sussex (KSS) has purchased its second helicopter outright.
KSS described the purchase of the aircraft as a “huge milestone for the charity” that will “secure the future of the air ambulance”. It estimates that the purchase will save it approximately half a million pounds per year in leasing costs.
This follows the success of KSS’s Buy it for Life fundraising appeal, which launched in April, and which raised the intended sum of £1 million in its first six weeks.
The appeal, which runs until 28 June, has now surpassed £1.77 million, with KSS saying that every “extra penny raised” will be allocated to support the operation of the helicopter.
“Taking ownership of our second helicopter … means that we have now secured the future of this lifeline for our communities to ensure that we can get our lifesaving crews to where they’re urgently needed 24/7, 365 days a year,” said David Welch, Chief Executive at KSS.
“The cost saving will also enable us to improve and develop our lifesaving service, including being able to fly for longer and in more challenging weather conditions, as well as grow our Patient and Family Aftercare Service and introduce more community-based prevention and education activities,” he added.
Oliver Cuenca
Oliver Cuenca was a Junior Editor at the Voyageur Group. 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.