During our Up Against Time appeal, we offered our supporters the chance to have a name of their choosing placed on the bottom of one of our new helicopters for a donation of £100 to the appeal.
In September, thanks to the generous support of so many – including our London Legends – we surpassed the appeal’s total and raised an amazing £16 million.
Therefore, on 1 October 2024, we launched our two new Airbus H135 helicopters, ready to serve the 10 million who visit, live and work in London. On each flight since then, our London Legends have been alongside our medics, flying to a critically injured individual in London as our advanced trauma team take the emergency department to the roadside to give our patients the best possible care.
“It makes me smile to think the London Legends are printed on the aircraft and are there supporting us every time we fly,” said Pilot Toby Chamberlain.
We’re so thankful to every one of our London Legends. Below you can see just some of the steps that were involved in the helicopter build and importantly, the process of applying the decals.
Helicopter build and decal application process
Image 1 - We selected the Airbus H-135 model for our new fleet of helicopters.
Image 2 - The shell of the new helicopters was built, concentrating on being able to fly in London.
Image 3 - The interiors were then fitted, which have been designed by clinicians, for clinicians.
Image 4 - The names of our London Legends were printed out, ready to be placed on the helicopter.
Image 5 - The decals were applied to the underside of the helicopters, where they will remain for the next three years.
Image 6 - On 1 October 2024, we launched the new aircraft into our service, with the help of some special guests.
Image 7 - Now our new helicopters – and our London Legends – are in the sky, serving London every day.