A warm welcome to NI Chamber Members to visit the airbase at Air Ambulance NI
17th Oct 2022
Following a competitive tender exercise which commenced in October 2021, Air Ambulance NI is delighted to announce a 10-year partnership agreement with Sloane Helicopters Limited to provide two HEMS AW109 helicopters, pilots and aircraft maintenance for Northern Ireland’s Helicopter Emergency Medical Service (HEMS). The new agreement commenced on the 17th of September 2022.
The charity is introducing an AW109S Grand as its primary aircraft and a AW109E Power as its dedicated back-up aircraft, both of which will be operated from its airbase outside Lisburn and we would like to warmly welcome all NI Chamber of Commerce members to visit the charity and the new aircraft.
The AW109 is an excellent helicopter for HEMS operations and will benefit patients due to rapid start-up and shut-down times, together with a high cruise speed which means the HEMS team can reach patients more quickly. The AW109 aircraft have an excellent payload capability and patient access. This new chapter is a huge step forward for Air Ambulance NI and our partners the Northern Ireland Ambulance Service.
Ray Foran, Trustee at Air Ambulance NI said, “Following a competitive tendering exercise we are delighted to have selected Sloane Helicopters as our long-term aviation partner. Their comprehensive proposal offers the Charity the very best value for money, whilst introducing newer and more capable helicopters to the emergency medical service. We will continue to have our experienced pilots, a primary and secondary backup aircraft and maintenance capability at our operational base. It’s due to the continued support of the public and community right across the province that we have been able to enter into this long-term partnership, it’s impact will be felt immediately and be so meaningful for patients.”
Jeremy Awenat, Managing Director at Sloane Helicopters Ltd said “We are delighted to be working with Air Ambulance NI and introducing the very capable AW109 helicopters for the provision of this important lifesaving service.
The team at Air Ambulance NI are inviting all NI Chamber of Commerce members to get in contact with the charity and book in a time to visit the airbase. Colleen Milligan from the charity extends a welcome to NI Chamber members, “We are open for business, and very much looking forward to welcoming the NI Chamber members to Air Ambulance NI to give them a tour of the airbase, the opportunity to see the new aircraft and hear all about the important work of the service.”
If you would like to book in a visit to the base, please contact Colleen Milligan via email colleen.milligan@airambulanceni.org or call 07718483318 .
