Wiltshire Air Ambulance, operator of the Bell 429, has received its AOC and will return to HEMS provision immediately. The charity is one of four air ambulances in the UK that holds its own certificate.

Chief executive David Philpott says: “This has been a hard slog and has taken a lot longer than we anticipated, and a lot longer than it really should have. I would like to thank everyone who has worked tirelessly for the charity to get the AOC; they have all gone the extra mile.

“Our trustees have provided rock solid support throughout the process. Equally the backing from our ambassadors and local MPs has been very welcome. Our pilots, paramedics and charity staff deserve immense credit for their work during this challenging period, along with our dedicated volunteers who are out supporting the charity at events come rain or shine.

“Importantly we are now able to return to what we are here to do, providing helicopter emergency medical services for the people of Wiltshire and surrounding areas.”

WAA flights had been grounded earlier this year as Heli Charter, which used to operate the B429, went out of business.