Air aviation news- UK-based aviation servicer Gama Aviation has now taken full control of the operation and maintenance of the Welsh Air Ambulance Charity’s fleet of helicopters, in a contract which was set to start on 1 January 2024 but has been moved forward by a week.
Gama was awarded the aircraft service contract in February 2023, after an 18-month procurement process that included input from both aviation and medical specialists.
The decision was made to bring the handover date forward to avoid any confusion or difficulties during the busy Christmas and New Year period.
The £65m contract involves the operation of a primary fleet of four Airbus H145 helicopters from the Charity’s present locations in Dafen, Cardiff, Caernarfon, and Welshpool.
It also contains a backup H145 helicopter to maintain service continuity during repair intervals for the core fleet, an enhancement of the charity’s previous fleet of three H145 helicopters.
David Gilbert, Wales Air Ambulance Chair of Trustees, emphasised how the contract will bring together parts of the old force.