1 December 2006

Air Ambulance Service for Surrey and Sussex

A Step Closer

The Air Ambulance Trust which already provides an Air Ambulance for Kent, has taken a step closer to introducing a new service in Surrey and Sussex.

Kent Air Ambulance Trust has selected Medical Aviation Services Ltd. to provide an MD Explorer which will be based at Dunsfold from early next year.

David Philpott, the Trust's Chief Executive, said "We have successfully worked with MAS operating an MD Explorer in Kent for a number of years and are delighted with the reliability and speed of the helicopter as well as its spacious cabin - all of which are so essential for an Air Ambulance.

"With two aircraft in a region now covering 6,500 square miles we will be able to extend our services to cover over 4 1/2 million people.  We are also delighted to build on our existing strong relationship with Medical Aviation Services.

"With a single source provider our crews will be interchangeable and hence we will be able to offer more flexibility for the benefit of our patients."

Following a selection process involving seven potential suppliers, Group Sales Director, Nigel Lemon, added that MAS is delighted to be supporting the Trust in this next phase of its development.  He is also very pleased that the Trust's decision demonstrates their continuing confidence in the MD Explorer as the best choice of helicopter for their Air Ambulance operations.