Air ambulance charity needs to raise £15m for two new helicopters

An air ambulance charity is trying to raise £15million through a new partnership to replace two of its helicopters for 2024.

London’s Air Ambulance Charity has announced its partnership with leisure experience developer, Pocket Planet, to support its Up Against Time Appeal. 

The appeal seeks to raise enough money to replace their two helicopters, bringing them into service in 2024 and maintain them for five years. 

The current helicopters used by the charity – MD902s – are being produced less and less in the UK. This means, over the next five years the charities existing helicopters will become increasingly difficult to maintain.

A spokeswoman from the charity said: “We will struggle to keep our fleet flying beyond this timeframe.

“Following an extensive selection and contract negotiation process, we have selected two Airbus helicopters for the replacement of our fleet.

“It is known for its endurance, compact build, low noise levels, fuel efficiency, reliability.”

Pocket Planet will be helping fund the appeal with its new retail store and café, opening in Oxford Street next year as well as a 20,000 sq ft experiential attraction. 

The attraction will be the UK’s largest indoor miniature world – including iconic buildings, landmarks and landscapes as well as moving planes, trains, boats, bikes and vehicles.

Inside there will be an interactive animation of the London Air Ambulance to offer visitors the opportunity to contribute to the appeal. 

Jennie Chmura, senior corporate development manager at London’s Air Ambulance Charity said: “Pocket Planet’s fresh and innovative approach to fundraising, combined with its large visitor base, will be a huge help in securing the funding needed to continue providing our services across London.”

Pictured top: From left, Leo Vlassopulos, Pocket Planet’s head of marketing and Jennie Chmura, senior corporate development manager at London’s Air Ambulance Charity (Picture: Pocket Planet)