A long-held ambition for Air Ambulance Northern Ireland has been to own its primary helicopter, and now the charity has announced the purchase of a new AW109SP. Representing a milestone in Air Ambulance NI's journey since its inception in 2017, the new aircraft has been procured through Sloane Helicopters, and is scheduled to become Air Ambulance NI's primary helicopter from later summer 2026.

Following years of financial planning and supporters' generosity, including contributions from gifts in wills, the new aircraft is currently in the final stages of testing and medical fit-out. The new aircraft, which will carry the registration G-HMNI, is due to take flight as the Air Ambulance NI's primary helicopter by late summer 2026.

For nearly nine years, Air Ambulance Northern Ireland, working in partnership with the Northern Ireland Ambulance Service, has been a vital lifeline for communities, responding to over 5,600 emergency call-outs and saving countless lives. On average, the service responds to 60 calls per month.

Commenting on this next phase in Air Ambulance NI's journey, Dr David McManus, chair of Air Ambulance Northern Ireland, says: “Securing a new helicopter represents a transformational moment for Air Ambulance NI and a vital commitment to saving lives across Northern Ireland. This aircraft will offer us a significant gain in operational capability in terms of automation, operations in adverse weather, hours of darkness, speed and payload.

“Through the recent advances in aviation technology, our new primary aircraft will improve patient outcomes, ultimately save more lives and support the future development of the service.”

Since its establishment, Air Ambulance NI has operated two leased A109 aircraft as a primary and a backup. With this new investment, the main helicopter, G-HEMZ, will move into a backup role, and the current reserve aircraft, G-RSCU, will be stood down from service.

The new helicopter will operate on the same shift patterns as Air Ambulance NI's current service, which is 0700 to 1900 daily.

“Air Ambulance NI plays a vital role in enabling NIAS to reach patients in hard-to-access locations and in the most time-critical emergencies. The purchase of this new helicopter is a significant and welcome development, strengthening a service that remains crucial to the people of Northern Ireland,” states Maxine Paterson, interim chief executive Northern Ireland Ambulance Service.

Managing director of Sloane Helicopters, George George adds: “The addition of this aircraft marks an important milestone for the organisation, and we are proud to work alongside a team that shares our commitment to excellence, safety and innovation.

"This acquisition strengthens AANI's capabilities and reflects its ongoing ambition to invest in the future, enhance its service offering and drive operational excellence. We are pleased to support AANI in this exciting development and look forward to seeing the positive impact this new aircraft will have on its operations, unlocking new opportunities in the years ahead.”

Today, Air Ambulance NI is also launching its new fundraising appeal, Lift Off Together, giving the public the opportunity to have their name or that of someone special featured on the underside of the new aircraft for a donation of £200. With limited space available, this is a rare chance to be part of the charity's next chapter and help Air Ambulance NI's new aircraft to ‘lift off together’.