The UK’s second EC145T2 has become the latest addition to the Bond Air Services fleet.

The brand new aircraft arrived at Bond Air Services’ Gloucestershire Airport headquarters last week and was welcomed by Andy Moir and Rob Dalziel from the Scottish Ambulance Service, Tom Wells from Gama and Paul Westaway from Bond Air Services.

The aircraft is the first of two Bond Air Services will operate on behalf of the Scottish Ambulance Service. The second EC145T2 is expected to arrive in Gloucestershire later in the first quarter, 2015. Both aircraft will be handed over to Bond’s Design and Completion teams at Gloucestershire Airport who will equip them with the appropriate medical, Night Vision Imaging System (NVIS) and communication equipment to make them fully functioning air ambulances certified for both day and night Helicopter Emergency Medical Service (HEMS). The aircraft will also be equipped to operate over water to enable the Scottish Ambulance Service to continue to reach island communities. Both aircraft are expected to begin operations with the Scottish Ambulance Service this summer.

The EC145T2 is a medium class light twin-engine helicopter and an evolution of the existing EC145/BK117 family.

Paul Westaway from Bond Air Services said: “This new aircraft is the first of two which we will operate on behalf of the Scottish Ambulance Service. It is well suited for HEMS and air ambulance operations and has a bespoke medical interior that has been specified by our customer, the Scottish Ambulance Service. Twin engines give it power and endurance, while the space inside gives medics flexibility  for dealing with patients.”

Pauline Howie, Chief Executive, Scottish Ambulance Service: “Our air ambulance service is vital to the people of Scotland and the new EC145T2 aircraft have been purpose built to meet the needs of our patients. They will ensure that we continue to maintain the highest service standards.”

Bond Air Services recently took delivery of the UK’s first EC145T2 which is currently being prepared for use by the East Anglian Air Ambulance.

About Bond Air Services

Bond Air Services is the largest operator of air ambulance aircraft in the UK. Using mainly Eurocopter EC-135 and Bolkow BO-105 helicopters, it operates from 23 bases around the UK and has two major maintenance facilities, Staverton and Glasgow.

Bond Air Services is a Babcock International Group company.