Latest news with #TimBunting
BBC News
08-07-2025
- General
- BBC News
Second helicopter arrives at Cornwall 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 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.
BBC News
03-05-2025
- Business
- BBC News
Cornish air ambulance raises £2.85m for second helicopter
Cornwall's air ambulance has reached its fundraising goal of £2.85m to buy another money will be used to buy a second AgustaWestland AW169 helicopter, Cornwall Air Ambulance (CAA) helicopter, which has been manufactured in Italy, will allow the service to increase its coverage to "19 hours a day, 365 days a year", it executive Tim Bunting said he was "beyond thrilled", adding: "This is a seismic moment in our charity's history for the first time owning two helicopters." Mr Bunting said the new vehicle was "only possible thanks to the incredible community spirit of our county".He added: "I want to say a wholehearted and massive thank you for helping us to save even more lives for years to come."The second helicopter, registration G-CNLL, is currently undergoing its medical fit in Gloucester and is expected to start service in the summer.A spokesperson said: "The medical fit is the build in the rear cabin which enables the crew to bring the 'hospital' to scene. "Essentially, it is all the components needed to turn the air ambulance into a fully kitted out critical care resource."
