Dorset and Somerset Air Ambulance's second helicopter has touched down at its Henstridge airfield base for the first time, marking a major step forward in the UK aeromedical charity's mission to reach more patients and save more lives.

The new Leonardo AW169 helicopter will now join the charity's existing AW169 aircraft ‘Pegasus’, known as ‘Peggy’, which is already well recognised across the two counties for helping deliver advanced pre-hospital critical care on scene and en-route to hospital, in time-critical situations.

With two helicopters, the charity expects to reach over 150 more patients each year during its current 19-hour day of operations, with the potential of reaching even more patients through extended operating hours in the future.

Thousands of people and businesses in the local community have helped make the arrival of the second helicopter a reality, raising £670,000 so far towards the charity's £1 million 2ndHeli Appeal. In recognition of that support, the charity will give the community the opportunity to name 'their' helicopter when it launches a ‘Naming Campaign’ on Tuesday 30 June.

Charles Hackett, CEO of Dorset and Somerset Air Ambulance, says: “Seeing the helicopter arrive at Henstridge is a proud and emotional moment and marks a major step forward in our ability to reach even more patients when they need us most. We are incredibly grateful for the extraordinary generosity of our supporters, whose kindness and belief in our mission have made this milestone possible.

“As we prepare for the aircraft to begin operations, we want to thank everyone who has helped bring it into service. This is a helicopter made possible by our community, and it feels only fitting that the community will soon help to give it a name.”