TWO current Yorkshire Air Ambulance helicopters are set to be replaced with up-to-date models.

The G-YAAC and G-YOAA, which came into service in 2016, will be replaced by a more advanced version of their current model, the Airbus H145.

The decision to replace the helicopters is to ensure the people of Yorkshire receive the best operational and medical service from the life-saving charity.

Steve Waudby, director of aviation said: “Our two current helicopters, G-YAAC and G-YOAA have served us well since 2016 and will continue to do so for another few years.

"However, the typical effective lifespan of an air ambulance helicopter is somewhere between seven to 10 years, so we are ordering now for delivery in 2023.

"This this helicopter has become very popular within the air ambulance community. There have also been a lot of advancements made to the H145 since we bought our current aircraft."

"We had the choice to look at retrospectively fitting these technological advancements or upgrading to brand-new helicopters that include everything as part of their specification. Given the complexities of helicopter mechanics, we would have also faced a longer lead time with having everything retrospectively fitted rather than buying new, so it was sensible for the charity to upgrade the helicopters for new ones.”

The first of the two new helicopters is expected to arrive in Yorkshire in spring 2023, with the second following shortly after in summer 2023.

He added: “If we had taken the decision to retrospectively fit all the extra technology and equipment we needed, by the time that had been completed we’d have been at a point where we would have been starting to look at replacing our current helicopters. Bringing our plans forward by a year or two means we get best value, as well as bringing two even better state-of-the-art helicopters to the people of Yorkshire.”

Advancements to the new model includes a five-bladed rotor head which will provide a smoother flight for the crew and patients, on board Wi-Fi to allow patient records to be updated in-flight, and a cutting-edge secure communications system which will allow the crew to send patient data ahead to their destination hospital, allowing doctors and nurses to start evaluating and assessing the patient before they arrive. There will also be an improved medical fit alongside some of the most advanced and innovative equipment for treating patients at scene and in-flight.