Midlands Air Ambulance Charity has celebrated the first six months of operations undertaken by its new Airbus H145 helicopter, at a special event held at Royal Stoke University Hospital in Stoke-on-Trent.
Since the latest air ambulance helicopter entered the fleet on 1st January 2025, it has embarked on more than 200 flying hours, undertaking more than 150 critical care missions. To mark the significance of the charity’s latest milestone, the event was attended by His Majesty’s Lord Lieutenant for Staffordshire Sir Ian Dudson KCVO CBE & Lady Dudson, Lord Mayor of Stoke on Trent, Councillor Steve Watkins, Gareth Snell MP for Stoke-on-Trent Central, representatives from Royal Stoke University Hospital, former patients, volunteers and representatives from the grant giving trusts who helped support the purchase of the new state-of-the-art aircraft.
The event provided the perfect platform to showcase the lifesaving capabilities on-board the new aircraft, which is registered G-HMAA, and highlighted the charity’s pivotal role as the primary air ambulance service for Stoke-on-Trent and Staffordshire. The arrival of the H145 marks a significant milestone in the charity’s 34-year history within the county and reflects a strategic decision by its Board of Trustees to replace its oldest leased helicopter with the larger, more advanced, aircraft.
This investment enhances the charity’s ability to deliver critical care at the scene of major trauma or medical emergencies, where minutes can mean the difference between life and death. Guests watched as the new helicopter landed on the hospital helipad before being given a tour of the interior by the duty aircrew, including pilot, pre-hospital emergency medicine doctor and critical care paramedic.
Emma Gray, chief operating officer for Midlands Air Ambulance Charity also gave a speech on the capabilities of the new helicopter and the importance of the ongoing partnership between the charity and Royal Stoke University Hospital in delivering advanced critical care, giving patients the very best chance of survival and a good recovery. Emma Gray said: “Today marks a proud moment for our charity and those we serve in Stoke-on-Trent and Staffordshire.
“The H145 represents the next generation in air ambulance capability, with advanced medical kit, an even smoother flight due to the fifth rotor blade, and greater fuel range, ensuring we can continue to bring the emergency department directly to those most in need within a matter of minutes. It is thanks to charitable donations from the public and two very generous grants from Denise Coates Foundation and The Kildare Trust that this new helicopter has been purchased.
“We are also grateful to welcome it officially at Royal Stoke Hospital, a relationship that continues to prove vital in saving lives across the region.” Built at Airbus Helicopters’ facility in Donauworth, Germany, and kitted out for emergency medical service in the UK, the aircraft entered operational service in January 2025.
Since then, under the call sign Helimed 09, it has flown more than 200 hours on dozens of lifesaving missions across Stoke-on-Trent and the county. Dr Diane Adamson, chief medical officer and emergency medicine consultant at University Hospitals North Midlands, added: “We work side by side with the Midlands Air Ambulance Charity crews daily and have seen first-hand the incredible impact of their interventions when receiving patients.
“We would like to congratulate the team on the delivery of the new helicopter.” The new H145 was purchased outright by Midlands Air Ambulance Charity made possible thanks to community fundraising, prudent financial planning, and generous grants given by Denise Coates Foundation and The Kildare Trust. As a wholly owned asset, it removes the long-term cost associated with leasing and further strengthens the sustainability of the organisation.
Midlands Air Ambulance Charity operates three air ambulances and a fleet of critical care cars across six counties – including Gloucestershire, Herefordshire, Shropshire, Staffordshire, Stoke-on-Trent, the West Midlands, and Worcestershire. The charity undertakes approximately 4,000 missions each year, funded by public and corporate donations.
To find out more about Midlands Air Ambulance Charity’s vital, lifesaving work in your local area visit midlandsairambulance.com and join the conversation by following the organisation on social media.
