Air Ambulance Northern Ireland confirms Babcock as aviation supplier

Air Ambulance Northern Ireland is delighted to announce Babcock Mission Critical Services Onshore as the aviation supplier of the charity's two aircraft. Babcock will also provide aviation training and the pilots of both helicopters.

Babcock has decades of experience in providing helicopter emergency medical services (HEMS) across the UK and currently operates from more than 20 UK bases, responding to hundreds of emergency calls every week.

AANI trustee Ray Foran says he is delighted “After a European wide tender process we are pleased to announce Babcock as our HEMS provider. The contract will initially run for three years with a possible extension for a further two years.”

Tim Shattock, managing director of Babcock said: “I am extremely pleased AANI has selected Babcock to help them bring this vital new lifesaving service to the people of Northern Ireland. I'm looking forward to working with AANI and their stakeholders as we prepare to get operations underway.”

AANI chairman Ian Crowe says “Having two air ambulances permanently based in Northern Ireland will significantly reduce maintenance downtime. The two EC135 helicopters will be fully equipped HEMS aircraft. Having one helicopter on duty every day will ensure Air Ambulance Northern Ireland is there for those who need it.”

“On behalf of the trustees we want to thank everyone that has supported the charity to date in establishing this important lifesaving service.”

Work is continuing to finalise the memorandum of understanding with the Northern Ireland Ambulance Service over the coming weeks.

Babcock Mission Critical Services Onshore is the UK's leading provider of air ambulance aircraft, employing more than 70 skilled pilots and 50 specialist engineers. Its fleet of EC135 and H145 helicopters operate from bases around the UK. Babcock MCS Onshore has two major maintenance facilities, Staverton and Glasgow.

As well as providing helicopters, Babcock MCS Onshore also creates aircraft capability for mission critical and lifesaving roles by designing interiors and installing state of the art equipment.