Life Flight currently operates the Wellington-based Westpac Rescue Helicopter and three Beechcraft King Air 200C air ambulances, and will add a fourth air ambulance to its fleet, which will be permanently based at Hamilton Airport in New Zealand. This has been made possible by a generous NZ$1 million donation from the New Zealand Community Trust (NZCT). Support will extend to Waikato, Bay of Plenty, Taranaki, Northland, Gisborne, Manawatū-Whanganui and beyond.

Mark Johnston, Managing Director of Life Flight, said: “The rescue helicopter based at Hamilton Airport will enable faster response times and better access to emergency care for local and rural communities.”

The $1 million grant from NZCT will provide a significant portion of the funding for this fourth air ambulance, with the remainder being covered by donations from Life Flight’s donor, partner and sponsor community.

NZCT CEO Mike Knell said: “NZCT is a proud partner in Life Flight’s mission to provide essential air ambulance services to New Zealanders in need. We are delighted to be able to support this expansion of world-class air ambulance services across Central New Zealand with a dedicated Life Flight air ambulance based in Hamilton.”

Wyoming Life Flight recently announced that its aircraft now carry thoroughbreds.