Second lifesaving AW169 helicopter joins Cornwall Air Ambulance fleet

Cornwall Air Ambulance has put its second AW169 helicopter into service, marking a major boost to its lifesaving operations.

The new aircraft, G-CNLL, arrived at the charity’s Newquay airbase in July and underwent final ‘shakedown’ tests before officially entering service on 5 August 2025.

Built by Leonardo Helicopters in Italy, the AW169 matches the charity’s current model but features the latest ‘phase seven’ upgrades, including a built-in weather radar, larger main battery, and rear-mounted Trakka Beam Searchlight. It will rotate with the existing helicopter to respond to emergencies across Cornwall and the Isles of Scilly.

Unit Chief Pilot Adam Smith said the aircraft’s technology, fuel capacity and lifting power make it ideal for back-to-back missions: “Owning a second AW169 increases our aircraft availability across our 365-day-a-year service, enabling us to attend more missions by air.”

Air Operations Officer Steve Garvey added that the spacious cabin improves in-flight patient care: “It allows the clinician almost 360-degree access to the patient during flight, unlocking further clinical opportunities.”

The milestone follows the charity’s 18-month Heli2 Appeal, which raised £2.85m towards the purchase of the second helicopter.

“Because of you, we can attend more of our missions by air with your second AW169 helicopter. Thank you for helping us save even more lives for years to come.”

Chief Executive Tim Bunting.

Cornwall Air Ambulance is tasked to more than 1,000 missions each year and must raise over £8m annually to operate, relying entirely on donations from the public, communities and businesses.

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