Babcock has agreed a three year contract extension with UK-based aeromedical charity Hampshire and Isle of Wight Air Ambulance (HIOWAA) to keep the helicopter emergency medical service up in the sky saving lives.

The new contract starts this month and will allow Babcock, a leading UK provider of specialist air ambulance operations, to continue to provide a high standard of HEMS operations to the charity. Babcock is providing HIOWAA with an Airbus H135 helicopter fitted with the latest night vision goggle (NVIS) technology, maintenance and airworthiness management, engineering and highly trained pilots.

Director Babcock UK Onshore Hayley Belmore says: “We're delighted with this contract extension. Since its inception, Babcock has been supporting Hampshire and Isle of Wight Air Ambulance in carrying out emergency medical services. This new contract sees a move to 19-hour operations on a full time basis, providing a crucial service for the people of Hampshire and the Isle of Wight. We'll ensure the continuity of the operation, from the maintenance of the aircraft to the management of the aeronautical team. This is a solid partnership, which confirms a relationship of trust between HIOWAA and Babcock.”

Hampshire and Isle of Wight CEO Richard Corbett adds: “Extending our flying hours to 19 hours a day, every day, will ensure we can continue to bring our critical care to those who need it most. With our aviation requirements in the safe hands of Babcock, our teams of doctors, paramedics, pilots and dispatch assistants can focus on saving lives in our region.”