Mercy Flight Central, an independent, non-profit air medical operation serving New York state, is celebrating a milestone as the first of its four new AW119 helicopters went into service on Monday 17 July. The helicopter will be in service at the organisation's Canandaigua base, with its Marcellus and Rome bases next to be equipped with the new airframe.

The fleet of AW119 helicopters will support Mercy Flight Central's mission of providing high quality care to the critically ill or injured. As Mercy Flight Central is in its 31st year of dedicated service to its community, this new helicopter represents not only a historic moment for the organisation, but also a renewed commitment to the communities that it serves.

President and CEO Erin Reese states: “­­­I am proud of my team's dedication to bringing these new aircraft into service. They have embraced change while learning new skills. Our new helicopters will help us continue to serve our community, being there for them when they need us most.”