Heléna Holt, newly-appointed ceo, says the U.K.'s Devon Air Ambulance Trust (DAAT) is reviewing the range of customised features that will be chosen to make the most of its planned helicopter acquisition.

DAAT, which expects to make substantial savings on helicopter operations by buying a bespoke EC135 instead of leasing (EBAN July), has completed more than 12,000 missions since its launch in 1992. DAAT currently has two helicopters flying 10 hours a day, seven days a week - an EC135 flying out of Exeter and a Bolkow 105DBS flying from North Devon.

Holt says she is conducting a long term review of the charity's operation. "The world of helicopter emergency services is a dynamic and fast evolving one and DAAT's future strategy will take into account emerging government policies regarding the NHS and the delivery of a wide range of emergency services."

BMAD (Bikers Make a Difference) organisation recently donated £8,000 to DAAT. The cheque, taking DAAT total donations to more than - 29,000, was presented as U.K. television celebrity Jeremy Spake and a BBC film crew were filming with the charity for a television series on airports.

Holt, who was born in Devon, joined Devon Air Ambulance from the Attlee Foundation where she worked as director for 10 years. She says that the challenges that lie ahead include making the most of the potential of the new helicopter. "This lifesaving charity and service receives overwhelming support wherever you go in Devon. My role is to ensure it stays this way," she adds.