Fuel cost hike hits air ambulance

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Rising fuel prices are to cost Wales Air Ambulance an extra £75,000 a year, it has emerged.

The charity said the cost of fuelling its fleet of three helicopters was increasing by 30% to £325,000 per year.

But officials said emergency flights would not be restricted as a result of the hike in fuel prices.

Meanwhile, the charity is to upgrade its helicopters next year, which are based in Caernarfon, Swansea and Welshpool, Powys.

The air ambulances have to be replaced under Civil Aviation Authority regulations.

The charity said it needed £4m per year to operate the service, which was launched on St David's Day in 2001, and has carried out about 9,000 missions to date.

'Greatly increase'

A spokeswoman said: "Wales Air Ambulance's current fuel expenditure is approximately £250,000, which is set to rise by 30% due to increases in fuel prices.

"The introduction of the upgraded helicopters will help towards the efficiency of fuel, operations and patient care.

"The new generation of helicopters will also greatly increase the effectiveness of the service with the latest airborne facilities and technology.

"The essential upgrade, in line with Civil Aviation Authority legislation, will dramatically improve the air ambulance service's proud record of getting patients to hospital quickly."

The charity has already launched an appeal to help pay for the new helicopters.