Our aircraft are reaching the end of their service life. This is the £2.5 million mission to secure our service.
Live Operation Tracker
We must raise £2.5 million to secure the deposit for our third new helicopter. Your donation today directly funds this operation. It helps us secure our service and ensures our crews are always ready to respond.
Our Mission is at a Critical Crossroads.
For over 20 years, our helicopters have been the lifeline between life and loss across the North. But our current aircraft are now subject to major parts shortages, ever-rising maintenance costs, and extended downtime. Because of this, operating our current aircraft is more challenging than ever.
Without immediate investment, we face the unthinkable: a future where we can’t respond as quickly, or at all, when we are needed the most.
We must act now to protect our ability to save lives across the region.
A Revolution in Critical Care
Our vision is clear. A three-aircraft fleet, built for the future.
By investing in three state-of-the-art helicopters, we guarantee that when one is grounded for maintenance or training, we will always have a helicopter with the same capabilities ready to go when it’s needed.
By changing the helicopters we operate, we can cut costs while maintaining a more reliable fleet that will secure our service for the next decade and beyond.
This is not just a helicopter. It’s a commitment to the people that need us across our region.
Our Blueprint for the Future
Our blueprint is clear: three Airbus H145 D2 helicopters that would allow us to transform how our fleet operates and provide the life-saving service that the people of our region deserve. But why the H145?
- Smaller footprint and lighter frame make it ideal for landing in confined or remote areas — critical for missions in rural or mountainous terrain (like the North of England).
- Exceptional hover performance and low noise signature, allowing safe operations in built-up, urban environments.
- Lower operating and maintenance costs, ensuring the longevity of our service for the next decade and beyond.
What Your Support Means
Your Gift is a Lifeline
FAQs
Which model of helicopter will GNAAS be using going forward?
We plan to build our new fleet of helicopters around the Airbus H145 D2. We have chosen this model because of its smaller footprint and lighter frame, making it better for landing in confined or remote areas, perfect for areas of our region! The Airbus H145 D2 also offers lower operating and maintenance costs, making it ideal for securing a sustainable future.
Why does GNAAS need a third helicopter?
Our current Dauphin N3 and N3+ helicopters are reaching the end of their service life, facing rising maintenance costs, spare-part shortages, and extended downtime. Operation SOS aims to build a more reliable, modern, three-aircraft fleet, so there’s always an aircraft ready to go at each of our bases, even if one is grounded for maintenance.
How will my donation help?
Donations go directly toward securing the deposit for the third helicopter, helping fund the new fleet. This, in turn, will help ensure that our crews are always ready to respond, even when current helicopters are undergoing maintenance. In other words, your gift directly helps guarantee the ability to continue life-saving missions across our region.
Providing the life-saving care required to give the people of our region the best chance is a privilege.
The introduction of a new fleet of helicopters will revolutionise how we provide our critical service. With our current fleet coming to the end of its service life, raising the funds to put towards this fleet is more important than ever.
Phil, Chief Pilot