The alarm has sounded, and we’ve accepted the task. Within minutes, our crew is in the air racing against the ticking clock. These are the moments when every second matters, when having the right aircraft can quite literally change someone’s story.

For years, our current Dauphin helicopters have carried our pilots, paramedics and doctors to thousands of people in their worst moments. They’ve served the North and the Isle of Man well. But like all aircraft, their service life is finite. Parts are becoming harder to source, maintenance costs are rising and keeping them airborne is becoming increasingly challenging. To continue reaching people as quickly and safely as possible, we must look ahead.

That’s why we’ve taken a major step forward and launched Operation SOS.

A closer look at the H145 D2

To ensure we can continue to provide pioneering pre-hospital care, we are investing in three Airbus H145 D2 helicopters that will transform how our fleet operates and provide the life-saving service that the people of our region deserve.

So, why did we choose the H145 D2? Because it’s not just a helicopter – it’s the right tool for saving lives.

When it came to replacing our ageing fleet, we considered several helicopter models. Ultimately, only two aircraft types are widely regarded as suitable for UK Helicopter Emergency Medical Services (HEMS): the Airbus H145 and the AW169. After careful evaluation, the H145 emerged as the best fit for our operations.

The H145 is the most popular HEMS helicopter in the world, with over 550 in service across Europe alone. While the AW169 was also a strong contender, it would have required significant modifications to our hangar doors, adding cost and complexity.

Our decision to invest in the H145 was based on a detailed evaluation across a 62-point evaluation matrix, covering everything from operational safety, affordability and manufacturer support to speed, footprint, pilot training, and response times.

Why the Airbus H145 D2 is the right aircraft for our region

The H145 represents a significant step forward. It will enable us to modernise our current fleet while ensuring service continuity, meeting both our immediate operational needs and long-term aspirations.

This model has a smaller footprint and a lighter frame, making it ideal for landing in confined or remote locations, a critical advantage for missions across rural and mountainous areas. The H145 also delivers exceptional hover performance and a low noise signature, allowing safe operations even in built-up urban environments.

Furthermore, to support our life-saving journeys across the Irish Sea to the Isle of Man, all three aircraft will be equipped to fly over water, with a full flotation package.

How will the H145 D2 enhance our service?

The H145 D2 helicopters will bring significant improvements to the way we operate, helping us deliver faster, safer, and more reliable care across our region. All three aircraft boast night vision compatibility, giving us greater flexibility as we explore long-term operating models in the future. There is also a clear manufacturer pathway to upgrade the helicopters to the D3 configuration – or even to replace them with new H145 D3s – ensuring our fleet remains cutting-edge for years to come.

Choosing the H145 allows us to modernise our fleet while introducing a third aircraft to act as a spare. Initially, this spare will cover one of the two operational helicopters during routine maintenance, ensuring uninterrupted service.

All three helicopters will be identical, which reduces training requirements for crews and maximises operational efficiency. Each aircraft will also feature state-of-the-art Navionics systems and four-axis autopilots, enhancing safety, performance, and reliability on every mission.

We need your help to secure our future

This new fleet isn’t built just by engineers – it’s built by you. Every donation, every fundraiser, every supporter plays a part.

When you donate to Operation SOS, you’re not just funding a helicopter – you’re giving a lifeline to someone in their darkest hour.

How you can help:

• Make a one-off or regular gift
• Organise a community fundraiser or challenge
• Share our story – help spread the word about why this upgrade matters

 Together, we can secure our charity’s future and continue to save lives across the North and the Isle of Man.