Wales Air Ambulance is set to have what it claims is the biggest air ambulance operation in the UK as it puts its fourth helicopter into service. The charity will operate its latest addition, an EC135 T2e, from a new base at Cardiff Heliport.

Since its launch in 2001, the organisation has flown 24,000 missions across the UK. Its current three rotorcraft are positioned at Llanelli, Caernarfon and Welshpool.

During July the EC135 is being used for training purposes, and it will enter full service in August. Chief executive Angela Hughes says: “It has always been our vision to expand our fleet so we can help more patients, and to have a base in Cardiff. Although the city has a full transport infrastructure, its success as a commercial capital means air transfer to hospital can be the quickest way to convey patients.

“Subject to a successful six-month trial period, the fourth helicopter and its Cardiff satellite base will become a permanent resource for WAA.”

Babcock is the operator of WAA’s fleet and has supplied the charity with pilots and engineers since it launched.