Second helicopter arrives at air ambulance base

Cornwall Air Ambulance Trust's second helicopter has arrived at its Newquay base.

The charity said the arrival of the helicopter was thanks to the generosity of the public during the Heli2 Appeal, which launched in 2023.

It raised £2.85m towards the aircraft which was brought over from Italy in February and underwent a medical fit out in Gloucester.

Before going into operation, the new aircraft would undergo a "shakedown" period, where the pilots would carry out approximately 20 flying hours of final tests, the charity said.

Tim Bunting, chief executive of the Cornwall Air Ambulance, said it was a "momentous day".

He said: "We were the very first UK air ambulance service – and our latest arrival today will help us continue to save many more lives and provide the best possible service."

The charity said owning a second helicopter would enable crews to attend more missions across their 365-days-a-year service.

Adam Smith, unit chief pilot, said: "Robust checks and inspections have already been carried out, and the team now looks forward to carrying out the final test flights over the next few weeks."

The charity added the public would get the opportunity to see the second helicopter up close at the charity's blue lights festival, Helifest, taking place on 19 July at Scorrier House near Redruth.

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