It's 'Auf Wiedersehen' to yellow air ambulance

A black substitute helicopter will respond to emergencies for the time being

An air ambulance that covers the East Midlands is to be sent to Germany for a major service, the charity that operates it has said.

Lincs & Notts Air Ambulance said a black AW109 Grand New helicopter would provide cover for the iconic yellow AW169 aircraft as it undergoes work in Emden.

Chief pilot Llewis Ingamells said: "The service includes a complete strip-down of the aircraft to ensure every component is thoroughly inspected, operational and safe."

The charity said the relief helicopter, though slightly smaller than the AW169, was considered a "capable and reliable" aircraft.

The air ambulance is to have a complete strip-down, ensuring every component is inspected, operational and safe

Mr Ingamells said: "This work ensures that the aircraft continues to meet the highest standards of safety and performance."

The yellow aircraft will return to the skies "in the coming months", the charity said.

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