SCAA to acquire new Airbus H145 for its Aberdeen base

The rotorcraft will replace an EC135 currently operated by the charity from its base in Aberdeen.

SCAA confirmed that the aircraft is in production, and that it will be reconfigured for air medical missions prior to launch.

SCAA currently operates two helicopters, based at Perth (since 2013) and Aberdeen (since 2020).

“The H145 D3 is an aircraft that will help fly SCAA into the next decade,” said David Craig, Chief Executive of SCAA. “No one in Scotland should die because help can’t get there in time, and this new helicopter will offer greater range, endurance and capacity, which significantly enhances our lifesaving service and our ability to meet the ever-growing demand on pre-hospital emergency response teams.”

Craig added that the decision to introduce the new aircraft to the Aberdeen base was made following a review of the charity’s operational data across Scotland over the past five years. SCAA also worked closely with the Scottish Ambulance Service and its ScotSTAR air ambulance service when making the decision.

The new aircraft is one of a number of improvements that will enhance operations at SCAA. Under the terms of its new 10-year contract with aviation partner Babcock, aircraft at both bases will be equipped with night vision imaging systems (NVIS).

Craig continued: “SCAA is now able to deploy to non-surveyed locations anywhere in Scotland during darkness hours this winter using the very latest technology, to the benefit of both patients and crew. This will ensure each duty shift is unimpeded (by aviation restrictions) when the sun sets or skies darken, and SCAA will be available to respond whenever and wherever required by those most seriously ill or injured.”

Craig spoke to AirMed&Rescue about his organization’s work in the air medical sector for the August Provider Profile.