UK aeromedical charity Essex & Herts Air Ambulance (EHAAT) has appointed Bill Long as aviation director, effective 16 September.

In this role, Long will spearhead all aviation-related operations at EHAAT, including the charity's ambitious goal of securing its own AOC. This will mark a significant step forward for the charity, giving it greater autonomy in its delivery of critical emergency care across Essex and Hertfordshire.

Long says: “I’m really looking forward to joining the team at Essex & Herts Air Ambulance. It's a great opportunity to be involved at this pivotal stage. Working alongside our current service providers while also driving the development of our own AOC is incredibly exciting. There's a lot of really dedicated people working at EHAAT, and I'm looking forward to being in a team with them and to contribute to the remarkable work they do.”

Long’s extensive career in aviation is nothing short of impressive. Starting as a pilot in the Royal Navy, where he operated Sea King helicopters in anti-submarine missions, he went on to work in police aviation for a decade, flying helicopters in critical missions. His transition to operational sales and marketing at Airbus Helicopters UK (formerly Eurocopter UK) further deepened his connection to the air ambulance community, where he specialised in national resilience and emergency services.

Having spent much of his life in East Anglia, Long’s ties to both Essex and Hertfordshire run deep. His diverse background and hands-on experience make him uniquely qualified to lead EHAAT's aviation operations as the charity remains committed to providing exceptional emergency care to the communities it serves.

EHAAT CEO Jane Gurney says: “We are absolutely delighted to welcome Bill to the EHAAT family. Having known him for many years in the aviation sector, it feels very natural for him to join our team. His passion for aviation and emergency services, coupled with his positive and proactive approach, align perfectly with our objectives. I have no doubt that Bill, together with his team, will drive us forward, and I'm really looking forward to working with him.”