Leonardo have announced that UK charity Essex & Herts Air Ambulance (EHAAT) will expand its fleet with a second AW169. The agreement between Specialist Aviation Services and EHAAT, which was signed at the Farnborough International Airshow, includes a bespoke medical interior, in addition to other modifications to be provided by SAS. Delivery of the helicopter is expected to take place within Q4 2023 and entry to service is anticipated in Q1 2024 with its fully customised medical interior provided by Specialist Aviation Services. The introduction of an additional AW169 into the EHAAT fleet will support the charity’s strategic objectives in providing advanced, life-saving care to the communities of Essex and Hertfordshire.

Paul Curtis, Aviation & Operations Director at EHAAT, said: “Having seen the financial and operational benefits of buying our first AW169 in 2017 the Trustees have made the decision to add a second AW169 to the fleet to replace our existing leased MD902, which is now over 12 years old. The charity can save a considerable amount of money by purchasing a second aircraft, when compared to the cost of leasing, and it will give us an asset worth several million pounds at the end of its operational life with us.”

The announcement brings the AW169 total order book to just under 300 with more than 140 already in service in 25 countries.

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