London Air Ambulance marks a year with new aircraft

Two H135 helicopters started operating a year ago

London's Air Ambulance charity is marking the first anniversary of its two Airbus H135 helicopters.

The charity was able to buy the aircraft after a £16m fundraising effort a year ago.

The helicopters can fly faster than the previous models. They are also more fuel efficient and can store more fuel and are more adept at landing in densely populated city spots.

The charity was also able to launch an ECAT (Endovascular Cardiac Arrest Team), trial with the new aircraft.

It enabled the UK first intervention for cardiac arrest patients while airborne.

The new models can fly faster and burn less fuel

Capt Sam Tompkins, chief pilot, said: "These aircraft are the single most effective way to bring our clinical teams to where they are most needed – at the side of a Londoner on the worst day of their life.

"These helicopters are more than just an update on what came before. They are a genuine difference maker for the capability and capacity of London's Air Ambulance's clinical teams.

"They bring practical benefits, equipping our teams to handle the challenges of tomorrow."

Dr Anna Dobbie, clinical lead for the charity, said: "None of this would have been possible without the support of the people of the city we share.

"The people of London came together for us when we needed them most and everyone at London's Air Ambulance Charity is so grateful for their backing.

"We're only one year in, but over the life span of these new aircraft we want to continue to evolve our service to meet the challenges of a growing, changing city."