Prince William and David Beckham unveil new air ambulance helicopters

Prince William met David Beckham as the pair unveiled a fleet of new air ambulance helicopters.

London’s Air Ambulance Charity was joined by its royal patron His Royal Highness The Prince of Wales and the football star.

Its new aircraft began operational duties for the first time following the service’s largest ever fundraising campaign.

The arrival of the new state-of-the-art Airbus H135 helicopters marks the successful conclusion of the $19,900 "Up Against Time" fundraising appeal.

The campaign, launched in 2022, was crucial to replacing the charity’s aging fleet of MD902 helicopters, which were nearing the end of their operational lifespan.

Without this vital upgrade, the ability to respond to life-threatening emergencies across London would have been severely impacted.

The appeal beat its target, raising over $21,200 – with the single biggest donation coming from the charity’s partnership with Omaze - launched by David - which raised $4 million in just six weeks - seeing the campaign over the finishing line.

To commemorate the occasion, The Prince of Wales, royal patron of London’s Air Ambulance Charity and David Beckham, visited RAF Northolt, where they met with the charity’s medical and pilot crews, as well as Airbus engineers responsible for designing and developing the helicopters.

Substantial contributions from Omaze and the London Freemasons helped the campaign beat expectations.

Jonathan Jenkins, CEO of London’s Air Ambulance Charity, expressed his gratitude to the people of London, stating: “The arrival of our new Airbus helicopters is truly momentous for our charity.

“This incredible milestone could not have been achieved without the unwavering support of our donors, communities and businesses across London.

“Special thanks in particular has to go to Airbus for the successful delivery of our fantastic new aircraft, as well as Omaze and the London Freemasons as the two largest contributors to the appeal total.

"The £16 million raised has allowed us to invest in these two state-of-the-art helicopters, ensuring we can continue to reach critically injured patients swiftly, and provide life-saving care when every second counts. London, thank you for standing by us.”

The charity’s new H135 helicopters will significantly enhance the service’s capabilities, reducing the significant maintenance requirements of the older aircraft.

The doctors and paramedic teams were consulted throughout the process and the new helicopters are equipped with cutting-edge technology and a bespoke fit out, ensuring that London’s Air Ambulance Charity remains at the forefront of pre-hospital emergency care.

Chief Pilot Captain Sam Tompkins, who piloted the first operational flight of the new helicopter with His Royal Highness alongside, remarked: “Flying the new H135 is a game changer for us.

''The aircraft’s advanced performance, alongside its ability to carry the latest medical equipment, means we are better equipped to navigate London’s challenging urban environment and reach those in need faster than ever before.

"As a former air ambulance pilot himself, the Prince of Wales’ support is invaluable to our charity. On behalf of all of us at London’s Air Ambulance Charity I’d like to thank him for his incredible ambassadorial work throughout the appeal.”

The new helicopters will now officially begin service, helping London’s Air Ambulance Charity continue its life-saving mission across the capital, supported by the generosity and dedication of its supporters.

Matt Pohlson, CEO and Co-Founder of Omaze said: “Everyone at Omaze is delighted that our community raised an incredible $4 million to help London’s Air Ambulance Charity achieve its target for the new helicopters.

“I’m only alive because a heroic ambulance drivers and medics got to me in the nick of time. So I’m also personally so grateful we can support London Air Ambulance in providing their life-saving service to Londoners.”

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