The UK aeromedical charity Cornwall Air Ambulance Trust has appointed Castle Air as its helicopter operations partner.
Castle Air, which has a facility in Liskeard, Cornwall, will be responsible for the ongoing maintenance and engineering of the charity’s Leonardo AW169. The helicopter services company has over 40 years’ experience in the management of aircraft and is a Leonardo authorised service centre. It operates and maintains several AgustaWestland/Leonardo helicopters for the provision of HEMS, VIP charter, aerial surveillance, passenger transport and training services.
Tim Bunting, chief executive of Cornwall Air Ambulance Trust, said: “We are delighted to be supported by Castle Air as the charity’s helicopter operations partner. Castle Air specialises in AgustaWestland aircraft engineering and, as a Cornish business, they provide Cornwall Air Ambulance with a local support base from which to carry out the regular and ongoing maintenance required to fly and saves lives 365 days a year.”
Cornwall Air Ambulance’s AW169 is currently with Castle Air for routine annual maintenance. While the work is being carried out, Castle Air is supplying a back-up helicopter, an AW109SP, so that the charity can continue to provide its service throughout Cornwall and the Isles of Scilly.
Ross Bunyard, managing director of Castle Air, said: “We are very proud and excited to be supporting Cornwall Air Ambulance Trust through the maintenance and engineering of their helicopter. We have wanted to support our local air ambulance for a long time, and we are very grateful to the charity for this opportunity, which is allowing us to expand our capability at Liskeard and employ additional maintenance staff. We are looking forward to supporting the charity in their provision of the air ambulance service for the people of Cornwall.”
