From today's EDP
Air ambulance terminates helicopter contract with Norwich-based company
By SAM WILLIAMS, Senior business writer Monday, March 7, 2011
5:05 PM
The East Anglian Air Ambulance has terminated its helicopter contract with Sterling Aviation.
The charity, which leased two yellow aircraft from Sterling, will continue to operate two helicopters through Bond Air Services on an interim basis until a new contract has been awarded.
The news follows the sudden grounding of the two Sterling helicopters last month, which led to the charity putting its contingency plans into place and operating services through Bond.
The reason for the suspension Sterling’s suspension of its flights has not been confirmed, but the company said last month it was working with the Civil Aviation Authority and its customers to resume a normal service as soon as possible.
Both Sterling and Bond have bases at Norwich International Airport.
Steve Whitby, deputy chief executive of the East Anglian Air Ambulance Service, said: “Our first concern is, and always has been, the people of East Anglia and our priority is to make sure the people of Bedfordshire, Cambridgeshire, Norfolk and Suffolk are well served by a high quality air ambulance.
“So, whilst we begin the process of finding a new permanent aircraft operator, it is very much business as usual for us. We have two helicopters serving the four counties and they continue to provide the same life-saving service.
“Over the past 10 years the East Anglian Air Ambulance has developed a reputation for delivering the best possible pre-hospital care to the people of the region.
“Whilst the situation with Sterling Aviation is regrettable, we have to ensure we continue to operate to the highest standards possible.
“I am hugely encouraged that there has been a smooth transition to an interim operator and this is testament to a strong contingency plan.
“We are now beginning to take the formal steps necessary to bring in a new operator and we will do this with the support of our key stakeholders.”
Do you have information on Sterling Aviation? Call senior business writer Sam Williams on 01603 772447 or email
[email protected]