Dorset and Somerset Air Ambulance (DSAA) is embarking on a series of updates and developments that aim to strengthen the UK aeromedical charity's ability to meet rising demand and ensure every patient across the region has access to the level of pre‑hospital critical care that they need, particularly when it is a matter of life or death.

Demand for the DSAA's life-saving service continues to grow year on year; by air and by road, its missions have more than tripled in the last 10 years. Thanks to sustained innovation, investment and the unwavering support of local communities, it now provides one of the most advanced levels of care available outside a hospital setting. However, the charity remains acutely aware that there are still patients it cannot yet reach and is determined to close that gap.

Therefore, the DSAA is taking important steps to expand capacity, modernise its infrastructure and ensure long-term resilience. The charity is preparing for the future by developing a new operational base and introducing a second helicopter, all focused on giving every patient the best possible chance of survival.

The DSAA now confirmed its long-term intention to develop a new operational base at the Leonardo site in Yeovil, the 'home of British helicopters'. An agreement for a 35-year lease in Yeovil has now been signed with generous support from Leonardo, which will not be charging the charity rent.

The proposal for a new operational base in Yeovil follows careful consideration, operational analysis and a vision to secure a sustainable and future‑proof home for its life‑saving service.

The DSAA requires modern facilities that support clinical excellence, rapid deployment and staff wellbeing. A new base will offer purpose-built spaces for patient interaction, training, operational coordination and community engagement, ensuring the charity can continue to provide outstanding care to people across Dorset and Somerset for decades to come.

Operational analysis shows that Yeovil's location provides excellent aircraft coverage across the entire Dorset and Somerset region, whilst its immediate access to major roads enhances deployment for rapid response vehicles.

Whilst the DSAA's intention to move to Yeovil is now clear, the development and construction of a new base will be subject to several important steps. This includes a public consultation in mid-2026 to seek the community's views and backing, followed by securing planning permission and raising the necessary funds.

In finalising the agreements, Leonardo has been fully supportive of the fact that the charity need the security to be able to operate from the location for at least the full period of the lease. The DSAA would be able to operate the new base site independently of Leonardo and have the necessary rights to operate there for the next 35 years.

In the meantime, it will continue operating from it current site, Henstridge Airfield, thanks to the ongoing support of Geoff Jarvis and the local Henstridge community, whose contribution over many years has been fundamental to the charity and the DSAA's life‑saving work.

Last September, the DSAA launched its 2ndHeli Appeal to help fund the purchase and equipping of a second Leonardo AW169 helicopter for the people of Dorset and Somerset. This supported its plan to expand capacity and reach more patients than ever before. The aircraft has undergone test flights and is now getting ready for its flight to Gloucestershire Airport, where Gama Aviation will customise it for HEMS missions. The second helicopter is expected to be operational in Summer 2026.

Charles Hackett, CEO of Dorset and Somerset Air Ambulance says: “Firstly and most importantly, we want to express our sincere thanks for the wonderful support we have received and continue to receive from Geoff Jarvis at Henstridge Airfield and the local community. Their support has taken us from our humble beginnings as a very small operation, flying only a few hours a day, to a transformation in care for our patients. Today, DSAA is one of the most advanced air ambulances services in the UK, touching thousands of lives every year.

“We want to assure the people of Yeovil and our wider community that we are committed to working transparently and collaboratively with all stakeholders throughout the process. To this end, DSAA will be launching a public consultation in mid-2026, giving residents and stakeholders the chance to view the emerging proposals, ask questions and share their views. We hope the consultation will help shape our plans and build backing for the new facility, designed to support our life-saving service for years to come.

“As we embark on this exciting journey, we remain dedicated to providing critical care and rapid response to those in need. In the meantime, we are deeply grateful to be able to continue operating from Henstridge thanks to the incredible support of Geoff Jarvis and all those who support our life-saving work.”

Back in October 2025, the DSAA announced that with careful stewardship of charity funds, it was able to allocate GBP 30 million from its reserves to fund the purchase and fit-out of a second helicopter, to redevelop the operational base and to support key modernisation projects.

The arrival of a second helicopter later in the year, the creation of a new purpose-built base and the continued support of local communities, reflect its single, clear focus to reach every patient who needs life-saving care and give them the very best chance of survival. With continued community support, the DSAA is preparing to deliver an even greater level of care across Dorset and Somerset in the years ahead.