Overview
- Operation SOS launched on November 3 seeks £2.5 million for the deposit on a third aircraft after the service placed deposits on two replacements earlier this year.
- Only about eight percent of the target has been raised so far, with leaders warning of a rapidly closing window to strengthen the fleet.
- GNAAS plans to move to three Airbus H145 D2 helicopters, citing lower running costs, better performance in tight or remote landings, and a quieter noise profile.
- The former third helicopter was grounded in 2024, leading to 732 hours out of service and 152 unanswered calls as maintenance costs rose and parts became scarce.
- The charity receives no government funding and must raise roughly £9.3–£9.5 million annually, with its current raffle at about £45,000 against a £100,000 goal.