Cornwall Air Ambulance’s new Leonardo AW169 helicopter

Wednesday 21 July 2021

John Casson enthusiastically accepts a very kind invitation for a private visit to see Cornwall Air Ambulance’s new state-of-the-art helicopter at the charity’s airbase at Newquay Airport.

On Tuesday 13 July John Casson and his wife Jenny were at the Cornwall Air Ambulance for an exclusive visit to see their new Leonardo AW169 helicopter.

This had been in service for well over a year, but due to Covid-19 visitors were understandably not allowed to visit the airbase.

Met by the charity’s Barbara Sharples, Trustee, Steve Murdoch, Interim CEO, and Karen Hurn, Philanthropy Manager, John and Jenny went out of the hangar to see not only the helicopter and its new technology but also the very latest in life-saving equipment. Steve articulately explained everything about the AW169 including its capabilities and advantages over previous helicopters.   

John and Jenny Casson with Cornwall’s new air ambulance

It is considerably quicker than the previous air ambulances and can get to a scene then to hospital quicker. It also allows for 360-degree access to the patient and for two crew members to help the patient, as well as an extra seat for a relative, which is particularly important if the patient is a child. 

As a keen supporter of charity-run air ambulances, particularly Cornwall Air Ambulance, John is often asked why government does not provide this service.

His reply was very clear: ‘The Cornwall Air Ambulance is funded by the public for people in Cornwall. If it was run by the government there is a real danger that Cornwall and Devon, who have three, may only have one and that would not provide the critical life-saving service we enjoy today.’ 

It was a truly fascinating visit to the airbase. John and Jenny were made extremely welcome and all John’s questions – and there were many – were answered!

John asks: “Please make a donation to Cornwall Air Ambulance; they need our support. Thank you’.