Press Release

Issued by London Luton Airport Operations Ltd.

February 12, 2008

London Luton Airport has announced it will be supporting the East Anglian Air Ambulance as its chosen charity for 2008.  The campaign will be launched with an initial donation of £10,000 which the Airport's Charity Committee hopes to multiply by developing further fundraising opportunities involving its employees, business partners and passengers.

The air ambulances operated by the East Anglian Air Ambulance provide cover 365 days a year across Bedfordshire, Cambridgeshire, Norfolk and Suffolk; an area covering approximately 11% of the total area of England.

The East Anglian region, considered the most rural area in England with accidents sometimes occurring in remote locations not easily accessible by road, needs the air ambulance service more than ever. With the region also featuring major road networks such as the A14 and sections of the A1 and M1 it's not surprising that attending road traffic accidents already makes up more than 50% of its work.

When treating victims of trauma or medical emergencies, the chance of them making a full recovery is greatly increased if they receive definitive medical care within the first hour, known as the 'Golden Hour'.  Equipped with the latest medical equipment and with a top speed of 155 miles per hour, the air ambulance can reach the scene of emergencies quickly, enabling its life saving crew to attend to patients and stabilise them ready for transport to hospital by land – or by air if necessary.

The East Anglian Air Ambulance is the third busiest air ambulance charity in the UK, flying an average of 3 missions per day.

Simon Earles, London Luton Airport's General Manager: Planning & Corporate Social Responsibility said "The air ambulance provides a vital emergency service for our region so we are delighted to assist with the fundraising effort and, through our Charity Committee, raise awareness to get the whole Airport involved". 

Simon Gray, Executive Director of the East Anglian Air Ambulance, commented:  "This is a fantastic offer of support from London Luton Airport and we are absolutely delighted that the Charity Committee has decided to support our work this year.  We look forward to working with them closely during 2008.

Together, we'll make a real difference to the outcomes of some of those in our region unfortunate enough to suffer an accident or medical emergency this year."