Magpas Air Ambulance gets new AW109 SP

This new aircraft, an AW109 SP registered as ‘G-MPAS’, is supplied by Castle Air under a new four-year contract. It replaces the UK charity’s previous helicopter, an AW169, after its aviation provider was sold as part of a pre-pack administration arrangement.

Magpas Air Ambulance, which is dispatched by both the East of England and East Midlands Ambulance Service Trusts, treats patients in Cambridgeshire, Bedfordshire and across the east of England. Despite the period without a helicopter, Magpas Air Ambulance’s service has remained busy thanks to its fleet of rapid response vehicles, with the charity responding to 1,903 patients in the year to June 2024.

Magpas Air Ambulance CEO, Daryl Brown MBE, explained: “After the sudden and unexpected news that we were unable to operate using our previous aircraft, we worked around the clock to find a new helicopter provider, while also putting measures in place and working with partners to continue saving lives while we awaited delivery of our new aircraft.

“Magpas Air Ambulance is incredibly grateful to the community for their support of this vital service, allowing us to continue saving lives every day, no matter the circumstances.”  

Castle Air’s Managing Director, Ross Bunyard, said: “This new contract underscores our commitment to supporting critical emergency services, and we are pleased to provide a helicopter that enhances their operational capabilities. Together, we aim to make a meaningful impact on the communities we serve.”

Natalie Church, Magpas Air Ambulance’s Director of Operations, explained: “Working with Castle Air has been a great process – from choosing an aircraft and contract that suits our needs, to ensuring we recruited pilots that would be a great fit for the charity. Updating the livery and changing the aircraft registration to reflect Magpas Air Ambulance was the icing on the cake. Castle Air’s experience in aviation is obvious and working together to expand their air ambulance profile in the east of England will be an exciting venture.”

Following a period of training for Magpas Air Ambulance’s doctors and critical care paramedics to familiarize themselves with the AW109 SP aircraft, the charity expects to be fully operational by air and flying G-MPAS later this month.

Last year Magpas Air Ambulance received a Gold Award in the UK’s Defence Employer Recognition Scheme.