Thames Valley Air Ambulance to bring air operations in-house

The certification will enable Thames Valley Air Ambulance (TVAA) to bring its air operations in-house for the first time and operate flights without the assistance of third parties. TVAA will instead be directly and legally responsible for all aspects of its air operations, as well as for the safety and compliance of flight operations, and the maintenance and airworthiness of its aircraft.

In return for these additional responsibilities, the provider will have greater power and flexibility to make decisions about its aircraft.

Following the end of its current contract with Babcock International, TVAA will return the Airbus H135 it currently leases, G-TVAL. It will be replaced with a new H135, designated G-TVLY, which is currently at RAF Northolt according to data by FlightRadar24.

G-TVLY will be ‘kitted out with the same lifesaving equipment’ currently used by G-TVAL and will fly from TVAA’s operations base at RAF Benson.

Amanda McLean, CEO of TVAA said that acquiring the certificate is ‘the next step in our evolution as an independent healthcare provider’. She added: “Having our own helicopter was part of TVAA’s long-term strategy to ensure we are as patient-centred and efficient as we can be. I was delighted to be able to make this announcement during Air Ambulance Week when we celebrated the real difference our lifesaving charities make for the communities we serve.”