The Cornwall Air Ambulance Trust (CAAT) has selected UK-based Specialist Aviation Services as the preferred bidder to provide an AW169 EMS-equipped helicopter under a ten-year contract starting 2019.

CAAT carried out a competitive tender process ahead of the end of the existing contract with SAS. The AW169 will replace an MD902 Explorer based at the charity's headquarters in Newquay. The latest helicopter is expected to deliver greater safety, performance and range and will be customised with a medical interior, providing a spacious, bright cabin, easy loading and all round patient access.

SAS is already operating four AW169s in EMS configuration, with further aircraft entering service in the new year. This award brings the number of AW169s so far confirmed for UK service by SAS to nine.

CAAT chief executive Paula Martin says: “Everyone at the charity is excited about the benefits the AW169 will bring to the patient. We now look forward to the next steps and formalising our decision in the coming weeks.”

Trustee Ian Brackenbury explains: “We concluded the AW169 will provide the best platform for our clinical crews to do their job in the future.”