New headquarters of UK air ambulance open

The Earl attended the event on 28 September and spent time speaking to supporters, volunteers, staff and crew while taking a tour of the new purpose-built facility and the charity’s new helicopter, which arrived at the base on 25 September.

His Royal Highness addressed the guests and acknowledged their contribution to the charity, saying: “It is thanks to supporters and volunteers like you that this service can continue to carry out the work it does and operate from such a fantastic facility.”

Facility funded by capital grants

The seed for a new HQ was planted more than five-years-ago when CEO Karen Jobling joined the charity. The new facility, which cost around £4 million, was funded by capital grants including one secured from the Department for Health and Social Care.

Karen said: “We were honored to have His Royal Highness The Earl of Wessex officially open our new building. He took the time to chat to all of our supporters, volunteers and past patients along with some of our crew and staff team.”

The charity’s latest helicopter, a Leonardo AW169, is now being put through its paces while clinician training takes place.

LNAA Chief Pilot, Llewis Ingamells, added: “While our new AW169 looks strikingly similar to our previous one, this is the latest generation from Leonardo Helicopters. There are a host of changes underneath the familiar yellow paint scheme which make this the most capable helicopter LNAA have ever operated.”