Dorset and Somerset Air Ambulance (DSAA) has announced a series of developments aimed at strengthening its ability to meet rising demand and ensuring patients across the region can access critical pre-hospital care when it matters most.
Demand for DSAA’s life-saving service continues to increase year on year. By air and by road, missions have more than tripled over the past decade. Through sustained innovation, investment and the continued support of local communities, DSAA now provides one of the most advanced levels of care available outside a hospital setting. However, the charity remains aware that there are still patients it cannot yet reach and is focused on closing that gap.
To address this, DSAA is taking steps to expand capacity, modernise infrastructure and secure long-term resilience. These plans include developing a new operational base and progressing the introduction of a second helicopter, all with the aim of giving every patient the best possible chance of survival.
Proposed future operational base at Yeovil’s Leonardo UK site
DSAA has confirmed its long-term intention to develop a new operational base at the Leonardo UK site in Yeovil, known as the Home of British Helicopters. A 35-year lease agreement has been signed, with Leonardo providing the site rent-free.
The proposal follows detailed operational analysis and reflects DSAA’s vision to secure a sustainable, future-proof home for its service. Modern facilities are required to support clinical excellence, rapid deployment and staff wellbeing. A new base would provide purpose-built spaces for patient interaction, training, operational coordination and community engagement, enabling DSAA to continue delivering care across Dorset and Somerset for decades to come.
Operational analysis shows that Yeovil’s location offers excellent aircraft coverage across the region, alongside immediate access to major roads to support rapid response vehicle deployment.
While the intention to relocate to Yeovil is clear, the development remains subject to further steps. These include a public consultation planned for mid-2026, followed by the planning process and fundraising to deliver the project.
As part of finalising the agreements, Leonardo has supported DSAA’s need for long-term security at the site. The charity would operate independently from Leonardo and has the rights required to operate from the location for the full 35-year lease period.
In the meantime, DSAA will continue to operate from Henstridge Airfield, supported by Geoff Jarvis and the local Henstridge community, whose contribution over many years has been fundamental to the charity’s work.
Second helicopter moves closer to UK operations
In September last year, DSAA launched its 2ndHeli Appeal to help fund the purchase and equipping of a second helicopter. The aircraft has since completed test flights and is preparing to fly to Gloucestershire Airport, where Gama Aviation will carry out customisation for Helicopter Emergency Medical Service (HEMS) missions. The second helicopter is expected to become operational in summer 2026.
Charles Hackett, Chief Executive Officer 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
In October 2025, DSAA announced that, through careful stewardship of charity funds, it was able to allocate £30 million from its reserves. This funding will support the purchase and fit-out of a second helicopter, the redevelopment of its operational base, and wider modernisation projects.
The arrival of a second helicopter, the development of a new purpose-built base and the continued support of local communities reflect DSAA’s clear focus: reaching every patient who needs life-saving care and giving them the best possible chance of survival.
With continued community backing, DSAA is preparing to deliver an even greater level of care across Dorset and Somerset in the years ahead.
