One year on and Gamma Aviation partnership is revolutionising Wales Air Ambulance service

The Wales Air Ambulance Charity is celebrating the first anniversary of its partnership with Gama Aviation, marking a transformative year for the UK’s largest air ambulance operation.

Gama Aviation assumed control of the charity’s helicopter fleet in December 2023, following an intensive 18-month procurement process involving input from aviation and medical professionals.

The seven-year, £65 million contract covers the operation of four Airbus H145 helicopters, based in Dafen, Cardiff, Caernarfon, and Welshpool, along with a backup aircraft for continuity.

Reflecting on the milestone, Dr Sue Barnes, Chief Executive of Wales Air Ambulance, praised the collaboration and effort that made the transition seamless.

“Our service went through a huge transition in a short space of time,” she said. “It was a massive challenge, but I am hugely proud of how we worked together to get the last aircraft signed over.”

The transition, which began just weeks before Christmas 2023, was accelerated to avoid potential regulatory issues over the New Year period.

Dr Barnes expressed her gratitude to the charity’s former partner, Babcock, for their support during the handover.

“We all wanted to make sure the people of Wales were put first throughout the whole process,” she said.

Gama Aviation faced significant challenges, including recruiting and training 11 additional pilots in time for the handover.

Mark James, Chair of the Charity’s Aviation Committee, highlighted the company’s commitment: “Gama really stepped up and understood what we were trying to do. The word ‘no’ isn’t in their vocabulary.”

The new fleet of H145 helicopters has proven pivotal in delivering hospital-standard treatments to patients across Wales.

The standardised model ensures consistency for medical teams, allowing them to locate essential equipment and medication quickly in critical situations.

James Grenfell, Gama Aviation’s Head of Flight Operations in Wales, recalled the emotional moment the first helicopter under the new partnership took off.

“To see that first helicopter with the Gama sticker as part of Wales Air Ambulance’s new operation, it almost brought tears to my eyes. It was fantastic.”

This year, the charity marked its 50,000th mission, underscoring its vital role in providing lifesaving care. The service is consultant-led, with NHS specialists from the Emergency Medical Retrieval and Transfer Service (EMRTS) working alongside Gama to deliver care and rapid hospital transfers.

Looking ahead, the charity plans to introduce next-generation H145 D3 helicopters in 2025, featuring a five-bladed design for smoother flights, increased payload capacity, and extended endurance.

Charlotte Phillips, Director of Aviation, said the upgrade reflects the charity’s commitment to innovation.

“Our fleet of H145s is recognisable in the skies of Wales and beyond, but the new D3 models will enable us to carry more, fly farther, and provide an even better service to patients.”

Dr Barnes also highlighted future possibilities, including the integration of AI and drone technology, to further enhance the charity’s capabilities.

She praised the charity’s fundraisers, who help raise the £11.2 million needed annually to keep the service operational.

“We are hugely grateful to our fundraisers who continue to believe in us and support our vision to help more patients and save more lives,” she said.