Scotland’s Charity Air Ambulance (SCAA) has announced that it expects to begin operations with a new-build H145 at its Aberdeen base in October. According to SCAA, the aircraft is currently in production before moving on to receive its HEMs fit-out and other modifications. The new aircraft will replace an H135, which has been based in Aberdeen since 2020.
“The H145 D3 is an aircraft that will help fly SCAA into the next decade,” said SCAA Chief Executive David Craig. “No one in Scotland should die because help can’t get there in time, and this new helicopter will offer greater range, endurance and capacity, which significantly enhances our life-saving service and our ability to meet the ever-growing demand on pre-hospital emergency response teams. When our new H145 takes to the skies, it will be the most capable air ambulance of its kind in the UK, operating in the most challenging environment,” added Craig. “It will be a lifesaver.”
In addition to the Aberdeen base, SCAA also operates an H135 from a base in Perth. Craig explained the rationale for replacing the Aberdeen aircraft first: “The decision to introduce a new aircraft at our Aberdeen base was driven by reviewing our operational data across all of Scotland over the last five years. Working closely with the Scottish Ambulance Service and their doctor-led ScotSTAR North EMRS (Emergency Medical Retrieval Service), this enhanced and more capable aircraft will ensure that, when critical care is required anywhere in Scotland, we can provide a team of specialist doctors and two SCAA paramedics to the scene of an emergency. This will deliver a robust specialist and extensive multi-disciplinary team to any incident.”
Image: SCAA
