British helicopter operator Castle Air has signed a new contract with Cornwall Air Ambulance to continue as the UK aeromedical charity's helicopter operations partner. The aviation company, based in Liskeard, will continue to be responsible for the ongoing maintenance and engineering of the charity's two AW169 helicopters.

Castle Air has been the charity's air operations partner since 2021. The organisation has over 40 years' experience in providing helicopter services across the UK and internationally and has expanded into helicopter emergency medical services management and operations.

Tim Bunting, chief executive at Cornwall Air Ambulance, says: “We are delighted to be working with Castle Air as the charity's helicopter operations partner. We want to provide the very best service for the people of Cornwall and the Isles of Scilly, and Castle really brings that first-class support to our lifesaving operation. The level and quality of its engineering support over the last three years has been of the highest standard, and we look forward to expanding that working relationship, as it now takes on the additional maintenance of our second aircraft.”

The charity's second AW169 is currently undergoing its medical fit at Gama Aviation in Gloucester where all the components to turn the aircraft into a fully kitted out critical care resource are added. Once complete, the aircraft will go to Castle Air for final inspections before going into operation later this summer.

Ross Bunyard, managing director of Castle Air, comments: “We are incredibly proud to have been awarded the management and operations contract for Cornwall Air Ambulance Trust's helicopter fleet, which includes two Leonardo AW169 aircraft, G-CRWL and the brand-new G-CNLL. This long term agreement marks a significant milestone in our ongoing partnership with the Cornwall Air Ambulance Trust.

“We are committed to providing the highest levels of aircraft availability, ensuring these lifesaving helicopters remain ready to serve the people of Cornwall and the Isles of Scilly whenever they are needed most. To support this, we are making a substantial investment in parts, tooling and engineering capability dedicated specifically to the CAAT fleet.

“We are excited to continue working closely with the Cornwall Air Ambulance, supporting its vital mission and helping to deliver the very best in emergency aviation services for the region.”