HeliHub.com understands that Essex Air Ambulance will be moving from their current Eurocopter EC135T2 to an MD Explorer, perhaps as early as June 2010. EAA already has experience of the type after operating one for their neighbouring county of Hertfordshire on similar EMS work – what better situation could you be in to compare two types in anger? The airframe in question was recently returned by Great North Air Ambulance to Specialist Aviation Services (SAS) at Gloucestershire Airport. It will undergo a livery change to green and yellow, and no doubt a change of registration too as the current one reflects the initials of its former user.

Essex Air Ambulance currently operate the EC135T2 supplied under contract by Bond Aviation Services. In common with most UK EMS operations, Essex flies approx 450-500 hours a year. We expect that this arrangement will terminate and the Explorer to be supplied under contract by Specialist Aviation Services, who currently supply the Hertfordshire aircraft.