Charity | Posted on May 28th, 2026 | return to news

Second helicopter for Dorset and Somerset Air Ambulance

And now people will have the chance to give the helicopter a name in a campaign which begins at the end of June.

What sort of name do you think suits a helicopter – and a very special one at that?

Dorset and Somerset Air Ambulance has a second helicopter and is asking people to submit ideas to its Naming Campaign, which launches on 30 June.

The helicopter, which touched down at Henstridge Airfield recently, joins the charity’s existing aircraft, ‘Pegasus’ – fondly known as ‘Peggy’.

With two helicopters, the charity expects to reach over 150 more patients each year during its current 19-hour day of operations, with the potential to reach even more patients through extended operating hours in the future.

Thousands of people and businesses in the local community have helped make the arrival of the second helicopter a reality, raising £670,000 so far towards the charity’s £1million 2ndHeli Appeal.

Charles Hackett, CEO of Dorset and Somerset Air Ambulance, said: “We are incredibly grateful for the extraordinary generosity of our supporters, whose kindness and belief in our mission have made this milestone possible.

“As we prepare for the aircraft to begin operations, we want to thank everyone who has helped bring it into service. This is a helicopter made possible by our community, and it feels only fitting that the community will soon help to give it a name.”

Supporters can sign up to the charity’s e-newsletter to be among the first to find out how to take part in the Naming Campaign by visiting: www.dsairambulance.org.uk/enews.