Today marks the first flights being made under the Helicopter Assistance to Civil Authorities (HACA) scheme set up by the British Helicopter Association. Two AW109s have this morning flown from the NHS Nightingale Hospital in London to its sister NHS Nightingale Hospital in Sunderland, and will return later in the day.

The aircraft are being operated by Arena Aviation and Atlas Helicopters, and involve the transportation of six people according to Tim Fauchon, CEO of the British Helicopter Association.

The BHA made a major achievement with the completion of a contract to facilitate freight and passenger transport by air in support of coronavirus response across the whole of the UK. The Crown Commercial Service (CCS) – the UK Government contract management organisation – showed great commitment to produce a contract which will ensure that payment is made from central Government funds within 14 days of the task being completed.

See also COVID-19 – UK Government agrees coronavirus aviation contract with BHA

Jeremy Parkin – HeliHub.com