Helimed is set for 2020 lift off

SCOTLAND'S Charity Air Ambulance (SCAA) has agreed a contract with Babcock to launch a new air ambulance service from Aberdeen International Airport.

The four-year contract will see aerial emergency services specialist Babcock operate and maintain the air ambulance helicopter from a new base at the airport.

Richard Youngs, Babcock onshore director, said: "Bringing this new aircraft and service to Aberdeen is great news for communities in the north-east and further afield."

The new aircraft – an EC135T2e – will operate from a dedicated facility on the east side of Aberdeen International Airport, beside the existing Babcock passenger terminals. Custom-designed for air ambulance operations, the helicopter will be equipped with the latest medical technologies and every emergency flight will be crewed with two highly-trained paramedics.

John Bullough, SCAA chairman, said: "The launch of Helimed 79 in early 2020 will mark the culmination of a three-year strategy at SCAA to deliver a second charity-funded air ambulance for Scotland.

Helimed 79 will provide a whole new level of air ambulance support in the north-east and bring hope and help to those most in need in communities throughout the whole of Scotland.

The new service from Aberdeen International Airport will help save lives, working alongside the two helicopters based at Inverness and Glasgow.

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