On Monday, 7th October, a new helicopter touched down at the Magpas Air Ambulance airbase in Alconbury Weald, Cambridgeshire.

This new aircraft, an AW109 SP registered as ‘G-MPAS’, is supplied by Castle Air under a new four year contract. It replaces the charity’s previous helicopter, an AW169, which was sold as part of a pre-pack administration arrangement when the charity’s previous aviation provider unexpectedly announced it was appointing administrators and selling the business at speed. Magpas Air Ambulance was unable to agree a new contract in the timeframe available and worked around the clock to find a new, appropriate provider as soon as possible.

The charity, which is dispatched by both the East of England and East Midlands Ambulance Service Trusts, treats patients in Cambridgeshire, Bedfordshire and across the East of England. Magpas Air Ambulance has continued to provide lifesaving pre-hospital emergency care to patients 24/7 using its fleet of rapid response vehicles, just as it would when the helicopter is unavailable due to maintenance or weather, and when it is quicker to reach patients by road. Despite this temporary change, Magpas Air Ambulance’s service has remained as busy as ever, with the charity responding to 1,903 patients in the past financial year (Jul 23-Jun 24).

Magpas Air Ambulance CEO, Daryl Brown MBE, explains “After the sudden and unexpected news that we were unable to operate using our previous aircraft, we worked around the clock to find a new helicopter provider, whilst also putting measures in place and working with partners to continue saving lives while we awaited delivery of our new aircraft.

“Magpas Air Ambulance is incredibly grateful to the community for their support of this vital service, allowing us to continue saving lives every day, no matter the circumstances.”

Castle Air’s Managing Director, Ross Bunyard said, “We are excited to announce our partnership with Magpas Air Ambulance as they take delivery of the AW109SP. This new contract underscores our commitment to supporting critical emergency services, and we are pleased to provide a helicopter that enhances their operational capabilities. Together, we aim to make a meaningful impact on the communities we serve”

Natalie Church, Magpas Air Ambulance’s Director of Operations explains, “Working with Castle Air has been a great process—from choosing an aircraft and contract that suits our needs, to ensuring we recruited pilots that would be a great fit for the charity. Updating the livery and changing the aircraft registration to reflect Magpas Air Ambulance was the icing on the cake. Castle Air’s experience in aviation is obvious and working together to expand their air ambulance profile in the East of England will be an exciting venture. We can’t wait to see what the next four years have in store for this partnership.”

Following a period of training for Magpas Air Ambulance’s doctors and critical care paramedics to familiarise themselves with the AW109 SP aircraft, the charity expects to be fully operational by air and flying G-MPAS in the skies of Cambridgeshire, Bedfordshire and surrounding counties later this month.