Yorkshire Air Ambulance Bolsters Fleet with New Helicopter for 2025
In an exciting development for Yorkshire, the Yorkshire Air Ambulance (YAA) has introduced a new addition to its fleet—its third H145 D3 helicopter, G-YAIR.
The helicopter made its inaugural flight into the skies of Yorkshire on December 19, 2024, following a comprehensive medical fit-out at Airbus Helicopters in Oxford. This marks a significant step forward for the charity, as G-YAIR is set to become a familiar sight over Doncaster and across the region in the coming months.
The new helicopter joins YAA’s two existing aircrafts, G-YAAA and G-YORX, in a strategic rotational system designed to ensure maximum operational efficiency. By rotating the aircraft, the charity can maintain its operational resilience, even during periods of scheduled maintenance, unscheduled repairs, or mandatory crew training. This crucial addition eliminates the need to lease temporary aircraft, guaranteeing that emergency services continue to operate without interruption.
Steve Waudby, Director of Aviation at Yorkshire Air Ambulance, emphasized the importance of this new addition: “The arrival of G-YAIR is a pivotal milestone for us. It significantly strengthens our capacity to deliver continuous, lifesaving coverage across Yorkshire, reaffirming our commitment to the highest standards of care. With G-YAIR now part of our fleet, we are better equipped than ever to respond when lives are on the line.”
The H145 D3 helicopter is one of the most sophisticated aircraft in its category, offering a range of features that enhance both operational efficiency and patient care. Its advanced five-bladed main rotor minimizes vibrations, ensuring a smoother experience for both patients and the flight crew.
Additionally, G-YAIR is equipped with onboard Wi-Fi and secure communication systems that allow real-time transmission of patient data to receiving hospitals, allowing medical teams to prepare in advance for the patient’s arrival, saving crucial time in emergency situations.
Inside the cabin, the medical crew benefits from an upgraded wheeled stretcher system, which makes patient handling quicker, safer, and more efficient. The modern system reduces manual lifting, minimizing the physical strain on staff and improving patient care during transport.
As a vital independent charity, Yorkshire Air Ambulance depends on the support of the public to maintain its life-saving operations. The addition of G-YAIR strengthens the charity’s ability to serve the 5 million residents of Yorkshire and its visitors, ensuring continuous emergency care for the region.
Abby Barmby, Director of Marketing & Communications at Yorkshire Air Ambulance, expressed gratitude to the community of donors and supporters who make these advancements possible. “The introduction of G-YAIR highlights the essential role we play in saving lives.
This milestone would not have been achievable without the ongoing generosity of our supporters. Their continued dedication ensures we can invest in cutting-edge resources like this helicopter and uphold the highest level of pre-hospital care. We look forward to seeing the positive impact this new addition will have as we continue our lifesaving mission in 2025 and beyond.”
With G-YAIR now ready for service, the Yorkshire Air Ambulance is well-positioned to face the challenges of the new year, ensuring that its critical services are always ready when needed.
