Some good industry news for a change- Sloane Helicopters
 

Congratulations to Sloane Helicopters on their ability to bring 2 brand-new AW109SP Air Ambulance helicopters online this month. To do so during such a depressed time in the aviation industry, in the middle of a pandemic, with a socially distanced workforce. It just goes to prove that there are still positives to be had in the helicopter world and we mustn't just think of the negatives, or be crushed by the main stream media attempts to depress us at every opportunity.

Fingers crossed we all get to see a brighter future as 2021 goes on.
Fly safe.

From their FB site




many safe and happy landings

https://cimg1.ibsrv.net/gimg/pprune....4660a0358.jpeg
https://cimg2.ibsrv.net/gimg/pprune....1e9858168.jpeg
https://cimg3.ibsrv.net/gimg/pprune....5f6da4788.jpeg
https://cimg4.ibsrv.net/gimg/pprune....9d4e083ee.jpeg

cheers

Well done Sloane, my days achieving my PPL at Sywell with Mark seem like a lifetime ago.

Si

I see Andy Williamson has managed to cling on in the CEO role there.

Frankly, I'm amazed. The Sunday Times ran an article almost exactly three years ago (https://www.thetimes.co.uk/article/t...son-x6vdh7x50: sorry if it's behind a paywall) outlining some of the seemingly dodgy goings on there, perhaps it was all just smoke and no fire.

Do TAAS still run an AW169 for the Children's Air Ambulance too? I get confused.

I applaud their work but isn't calling yourself TheAirAmbulanceService rather over-egging the pudding - it sort of implies National reach not just a few counties.

Most other AA charities go with a regional name for clarity and to focus local fundraising efforts.

Somewhat tickled by the 'Happy landings' greeting.
It seems to me a curious phrase to direct at an ambulance helo when "no landings, please" would surely be a much happier outcome? ;)

Yes they do, SAS provide the aircraft and pilots, TAAS still run the service.


I can't see where Crab has commented on Sloane, 'The Air Ambulance Service' is the charity (customer) , Sloane is the service provider, and I can assure you, there is no attempt by Sloane to emulate any other operator.

Some people not too happy with Andy Williamson here:

https://www.change.org/p/the-air-amb...ust-step-aside

and that is why PPRuNe is such a depressing place these days. You post something positive but certain members can't help themselves and have to stick with posting negativity regardless of the subject matter. 206 Jock. Sir Korsky Horatio b etc. The post was nothing to do with Sloane wanting to be anything other than a successful provider of aircraft and staff to a charity. My post was meant as a positive in this crap-hole of a year we've had.Isn't this Rotorheads on PPRuNe? Not the 'have a bitch on any linked subject because we can?' section. Maybe the negative comments should be placed in Jet Blast?
All of the naysayers please go ahead and tell me who else has brought two brand new aircraft online this year in the UK for such a worthy cause? It's ok, I can wait.

Sloane Helicopters also ranked 37th on The Sunday Times Fast Track 200 league table for 2021. This list ranks Britain’s SME’s by the fastest-growing international sales based on the last two years of available accounts. The "league table" included Castle Air Group and ACC Aviation.
All these companies managed to increase international sales substantially against the backdrop a global pandemic .
You can question the metrics and rationale behind these lists till the cows come home. The fact remains it is still good news in an otherwise bleak year.

Out of respect for VeeAny, I retract my poorly fabricated comment.

Thanks VeeAny - I certainly wasn't criticising Sloane or their efforts to provide the service :ok:

Thank you, appreciate that.

Thank you , didn't think you were, I was just clarifying.

Seemingly all factual and correct now. :D

Great job to the guys and gals at Sloanes. Curious to see what impact the pandemic has on their 2020 accounts as I can’t imagine having a 139, pilots, and subcontractor 169/S92 rates has been a huge financial success. Is ‘growing international sales’ a measure of revenue or profits?