Advancing UK Aerospace, Defence, Security & Space Solutions Worldwide

Aerospace Events

Air BP fuels air ambulance charities

In April, Air BP celebrated six months with its most recent emergency services contract signing, the Great Western Air Ambulance Charity (GWAAC).

Above: (centre left) Russell Halley, general aviation regional sales manager, UK, Air BP with Anna Perry Chief Executive, Great Western Air Ambulance and the team.

Air BP was selected as the new fuel supplier given its supply reliability capabilities that will enable the charity to respond to life-saving, medical emergencies.

Advertisement
ODU RT

This latest customer complements Air BP’s other air ambulance charity customers including Wales Air Ambulance Charity (WAAC) and Yorkshire Air Ambulance (YAA).

Since October 2018, Air BP has provided Jet A-1 fuelling services for GWAAC’s Airbus EC135 at its Almondsbury, South Gloucester base in the UK. GWAAC provides critical care and an air ambulance service for 2.1 million people across Bristol, Bath, North and North East Somerset and Gloucestershire.

Russell Halley, Air BP’s general aviation regional sales manager, UK, commented: “We’ve had a great start supplying GWAAC and are immensely proud to be supporting them, along with all our air ambulance customers. By providing safe and reliable fuelling services we are supporting the charities to go about their work providing life-saving, rapid response emergency services to millions of people.”

The contract to supply GWAAC builds on the strength of Air BP’s successful five-year relationship with the National Police Air Service (NPAS), which is co-located with GWAAC at its South Gloucestershire base. During the course of the relationship, Air BP’s focus on operational safety and reliability, coupled with support from a dedicated account manager, has ensured that NPAS can provide a seamless service, crucially responding to call-outs rapidly and effectively whenever needed.

Anna Perry, GWAAC chief executive explained: “We were impressed with the reliable service that Air BP has been providing to the NPAS. We knew that Air BP would provide a reliable service to us, delivering fuel just when we need it to make sure we never have excess nor run out. With GWAAC handling over five missions a day on average, we cannot afford downtime whilst we wait for fuel. I am pleased to report that we’ve received excellent service from Air BP to date. ”

Advertisement
ODU RT

Above: (centre left) Angela Hughes, Chief Executive, Wales Air Ambulance, Russell Halley, general aviation regional sales manager, UK, Air BP and the Wales Air Ambulance team.

Meanwhile, Air BP supplies Jet A-1 to support WAAC’s four helicopters at three of its four locations across Wales including Cardiff, Caernarfon and Dafen. WAAC’s team is capable of reaching a critically ill patient anywhere in Wales within 20 minutes of receiving a call.

Air BP also supplies Jet-A1 fuel to long-standing customer YAA’s two Airbus H145 helicopters at its two locations at Nostell Priory and RAF Topcliffe. YAA covers a vast topography comprising both remote rural areas and densely populated areas including major motorways and road networks such as the M62, M1, A1 and M18. Its rapid response service means that it can reach 90% of Yorkshire within 20 minutes flying time from one of the two bases.
 

Advertisement
General Atomics LB
FAC and Defence Connect link up

Aerospace

FAC and Defence Connect link up

5 June 2026

Farnborough Aerospace Consortium (FAC) and Defence Connect have announced a partnership which brings together industry leaders, policymakers, researchers and innovators in Westminster to explore the most pressing challenges and opportunities in defence.

MGI Engineering expands into Italy with Vigilar Group

Aerospace Defence Security

MGI Engineering expands into Italy with Vigilar Group

5 June 2026

Oxfordshire based MGI Engineering has entered into a strategic partnership with Vigilar Group, marking MGI’s expansion into Italy and a significant new phase of growth across Europe.

Smiths Detection’s HI-SCAN 10080 XCT achieves TSA ACSTL Qualified status

Aerospace Security

Smiths Detection’s HI-SCAN 10080 XCT achieves TSA ACSTL Qualified status

5 June 2026

Smiths Detection's Explosives Detection System (EDS) HI-SCAN 10080 XCT advanced X-ray computed tomography system for hold baggage and air cargo has progressed from the 'Approved' section to the 'Qualified' section of the US Transportation Security Administration’s (TSA) Air Cargo Screening Technology List (ACSTL).

Aerobility honoured with Kings Award for Voluntary Service during Volunteers’ Week

Aerospace Events

Aerobility honoured with Kings Award for Voluntary Service during Volunteers’ Week

5 June 2026

On 1st June 2026, Aerobility welcomed volunteers, staff, friends and family, together with local MP Alex Brewer, to mark the charity receiving the King’s Award for Voluntary Service (KAVS).

Advertisement
ODU RT
Rolls-Royce Trent XWB-84 EP achieves efficiency milestone

Aerospace

Rolls-Royce Trent XWB-84 EP achieves efficiency milestone

4 June 2026

Rolls-Royce has reached a major milestone for its Trent XWB-84 Enhanced Performance (EP) engine, which has delivered almost double the baseline of anticipated fuel savings during its first year in service.

Birmingham Airport awarded Level 4 Airport Carbon Accreditation

Aerospace

Birmingham Airport awarded Level 4 Airport Carbon Accreditation

4 June 2026

Birmingham Airport (BHX) has been awarded Level 4 Airport Carbon Accreditation (ACA) by Airports Council International (ACI), marking a significant milestone in its journey towards net zero. This achievement follows three consecutive years of maintaining Level 3 status.

Advertisement
ODU RT
Advertisement
General Atomics LB