Plans for a new base and second helicopter update Dorset and Somerset Air Ambulance (DSAA) has today announced a series of updates and developments which aim to strengthen our ability to meet rising demand, and ensure every patient across the region has access to the level of pre‑hospital critical care that they need, particularly when it is a matter of life or death. Demand for our life-saving service continues to grow year on year; by air and by road, our missions have more than tripled in the last ten years. Thanks to sustained innovation, investment, and the unwavering support of local communities, we now provide one of the most advanced levels of care available outside a hospital setting. However, the charity remains acutely aware that there are still patients we cannot yet reach and are determined to close that gap. Therefore, DSAA is taking important steps to expand capacity, modernise our infrastructure, and ensure long-term resilience. The updates below outline how the charity is preparing for the future, from developing a new operational base, to progressing the introduction of a second helicopter, all focused on giving every patient the best possible chance of survival. Future operational base at Yeovil’s Leonardo UK Site We have now confirmed our long-term intention to develop a new operational base at the Leonardo site in Yeovil, the Home of British Helicopters. An agreement for a 35-year lease in Yeovil has now been signed with generous support from Leonardo who will not be charging the charity rent. The proposal for a new operational base in Yeovil follows careful consideration, operational analysis, and a vision to secure a sustainable and future‑proof home for our life‑saving service. DSAA requires modern facilities that support clinical excellence, rapid deployment and staff wellbeing. A new base will offer purpose-built spaces for patient interaction, training, operational coordination and community engagement, ensuring the charity can continue to provide outstanding care to people across Dorset and Somerset for decades to come. Operational analysis shows that Yeovil’s location provides excellent aircraft coverage across the entire Dorset and Somerset region, whilst immediate access to major roads, enhance deployment for rapid response vehicles. Whilst our intention to move to Yeovil is now clear, the development and construction of a new base will be subject to several important steps. This includes a public consultation in mid-2026 to seek the community’s views and backing, followed by securing planning permission and raising the necessary funds. In finalising the agreements, Leonardo has been fully supportive that we need the security to be able to operate from the location for at least the full period of the lease. We would be able to operate the new base site independently of Leonardo and have the necessary rights to operate there for the next 35 years. In the meantime, we will continue operating from Henstridge Airfield thanks to the ongoing support of Geoff Jarvis and the local Henstridge community, whose contribution over many years has been fundamental to the charity and our life‑saving work. Second helicopter progressing toward UK operations Last September, DSAA launched our 2ndHeli Appeal to help fund the purchase and equipping of a second helicopter for the people of Dorset and Somerset. This supported our plan to expand capacity and reach more patients than ever before. The aircraft has undergone test flights and is now getting ready for its flight to Gloucestershire Airport, where Gama Aviation will customise it for Helicopter Emergency Medical Service (HEMS) missions. The second helicopter is expected to be operational in Summer 2026. Charles Hackett, CEO of Dorset and Somerset Air Ambulance said: “Firstly, and most importantly, we want to express our sincere thanks for the wonderful support we have received and continue to receive from Geoff Jarvis at Henstridge Airfield and the local community. Their support has taken us from our humble beginnings as a very small operation, flying only a few hours a day, to a transformation in care for our patients. Today, DSAA is one of the most advanced air ambulances services in the UK, touching thousands of lives every year. We want to assure the people of Yeovil and our wider community that we are committed to working transparently and collaboratively with all stakeholders throughout the process. To this end, DSAA will be launching a public consultation in mid-2026, giving residents and stakeholders the chance to view the emerging proposals, ask questions, and share their views. We hope the consultation will help shape our plans and build backing for the new facility, designed to support our life-saving service for years to come. As we embark on this exciting journey, we remain dedicated to providing critical care and rapid response to those in need. In the meantime, we are deeply grateful to be able to continue operating from Henstridge thanks to the incredible support of Geoff Jarvis and all those who support our life-saving work.” The path ahead Back in October 2025, DSAA announced that with careful stewardship of charity funds, we were able to allocate £30 million from our reserves to fund the purchase and fit-out of a second helicopter, to redevelop our operational base, and to support key modernisation projects. The arrival of a second helicopter later in the year, the creation of a new purpose-built base, and the continued support of local communities, reflect our single, clear focus - to reach every patient who needs life-saving care and give them the very best chance of survival. With continued community support, DSAA is preparing to deliver an even greater level of care across Dorset and Somerset in the years ahead. Manage Cookie Preferences