Gloucestershire-based Bond Air Services has taken delivery of the UK's second EC145 T2, after recently receiving the first UK EC145 T2 on behalf of East Anglia Air Ambulance. The aircraft completed its ferry to Gloucestershire airport and was welcomed by Andy Moir and Rob Dalziel from the Scottish Ambulance Service (SAS), Tom Wells from Gama Aviation and Paul Westaway from Bond Air Services.

The aircraft is the first of two Bond Air Services aircraft which will operate on behalf of the Scottish Ambulance Service. The second is expected to arrive in Gloucestershire later in the first quarter of 2015. Both aircraft will be handed over to Bond's design and completion teams at the airport, who will equip them with the appropriate medical, NVIS and communication equipment to make them fully functioning day and night HEMS air ambulances. The aircraft will also be certified to operate over water, to enable the SAS to continue to reach island communities. Both aircraft are expected to begin operations this summer.

Paul Westaway from Bond comments: “This aircraft is the first of two which we will operate on behalf of SAS. It is well suited for HEMS and air ambulance operations and has a bespoke medical interior that has been specified by our customer. Twin engines give it power and endurance, while the space inside gives medics flexibility for dealing with patients.”

Adds SAS chief executive Pauline Howie: “Our air ambulance service is vital to the people of Scotland and the new EC145 T2 aircraft have been purpose built to meet the needs of our patients. They will ensure that we continue to maintain the highest service standards.”