Yesterday we celebrated an important moment in our charity’s history – the unveiling of our first owned helicopter, a new AW109SP.
The launch marked the beginning of an exciting new chapter for the service alongside a poignant reminder of the charity’s inception, with the very first patient Conor McMullan speaking about his fateful farm accident in July 2017.
The new helicopter represents years of financial planning, fundraising and generous public support. Once operational later this summer, it will become our primary aircraft, helping to support the continued development of the service.
The event also highlighted the vital role the Air Ambulance plays in communities throughout the region, with the service responding to over 5,600 emergency call-outs since it began almost 9 years ago. Speakers reflected on the impact the helicopter and medical team have on patients and families during some of their most critical moments.
Commenting on this next phase in Air Ambulance NI’s journey, Dr David McManus, Chair of Air Ambulance Northern Ireland, said: “Securing a new helicopter represents a transformational moment for Air Ambulance NI and a vital commitment to saving lives across Northern Ireland. This aircraft will offer us a significant gain in operational capability in terms of automation, operations in adverse weather, hours of darkness, speed and payload.
“Through the recent advances in aviation technology, our new primary aircraft will improve patient outcomes, ultimately save more lives and support the future development of the service.”
Watch Dr. David McManus speak at the launch by clicking here.
Alongside the aircraft launch, we introduced our new “Lift Off Together” campaign, giving supporters a unique opportunity to become part of the helicopter’s story and help power its future missions. It allows you to have your name, or that of someone special, featured on the underside of the new aircraft for a donation of £200. With limited space available, this is a rare chance to be part of our next chapter and help our new aircraft ‘lift off together’.
As the helicopter completes its final preparations ahead of entering service, we want to acknowledge and celebrate the collective effort of supporters, partners and volunteers who continue to make this life-saving service possible. It’s not only the medical team who save lives, but the people who support our service.