The U.K.'s Devon Air Ambulance Trust (DAAT) expects to make substantial savings on helicopter operations and increase operational efficiency by buying a bespoke EC135 instead of leasing.

Lyn Paver, DAAT ceo, says: "We've decided to buy our next aircraft outright and outsource the provision of all support services in a move which should save substantially in future operating costs. It is a major departure from the traditional means of funding emergency helicopters in the U.K.

"There are very compelling financial and operational reasons for owning and operating our own helicopter but it simply hasn't been possible until now."

But: "Our circumstances have now changed. Firstly, we operate two aircraft and this reduces the risk of down time because of maintenance issues or breakdown to an absolute minimum. Secondly, we have already invested in a jointly operated airbase at Middlemoor where the Devon and Cornwall Constabulary has a full engineering support and maintenance facility. We will be outsourcing this side of the operation to them and the contracts have been agreed in principle. Thirdly, fundraising has been buoyant, particularly in legacies to DAAT which provides us with long term stability and provides the financial muscle to make this bold step."

DAAT must acquire a new helicopter because under tighter civil aviation rules, the Bolkow 105 which is currently operating in North Devon will have to be withdrawn from its emergency medical role after 2009.

Capt. Ian Payne of Devon and Cornwall Constabulary says: "The force has a small team of aviation specialists who have considerable experience of managing multiple helicopter operations. The full integration of the DAAT machine with the force helicopter will facilitate more efficient use of existing force servicing facilities and ground equipment and offer increased flexibility in terms of pilot and engineering personnel."

DAAT is customising its EC135 specifications. Its paramedics have been in discussions with the aircraft designers and manufacturers to maximise functionality.

Paver says: "Leasing is like buying off the shelf - inevitably you have to accept standard specifications which will not always be suitable to specific operations. Purchasing is like going to a bespoke tailor. It allows us to customise specifications to suit out own operation and to the minutest detail. For instance, our new helicopter will have the ability to maintain communication when the aircraft is shut down, a facility not currently available to us."

DAAT will continue to operate a two helicopter service with the arrival of the new EC135 expected in October 2008.