DSAA helicopters could be taking off from Yeovil in the near future. Picture: Dorset & Somerset Air Ambulance

Somerset air ambulance signs lease for new base in Yeovil – and is welcoming second helicopter

Paul JonesJanuary 27, 20260 Comment0

AIR ambulances could soon be setting off on journeys to help people in Somerset and Dorset from Yeovil.

The Dorset and Somerset Air Ambulance (DSAA) has announced ambitious plans to create a new operational base at the Leonardo site in the town, as well as introducing a second helicopter to the fleet.

It comes as the DSAA said demand for urgent air ambulances services “continues to rise”, with missions more than tripling over the last decade.

A 35-year lease for a site at helicopter manufacturer Leonardo in Yeovil has been signed, with the firm offering the location free.

The charity said the new base would offer “purpose-built spaces for patient interaction, training, operational coordination and community engagement”.

However, the plan will go through several steps before becoming a reality, including public consultation this summer, followed by planning permission and raising the necessary funds.

In the meantime, the DSAA will continue operating from Henstridge Airfield with the support of Geoff Jarvis and the community.

Elsewhere, the DSAA last year launched the 2ndHeli Appeal to help fund the purchase and equipping of a second helicopter for Dorset and Somerset as part of a plan to expand capacity.

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 and is set to be operational this summer.

Charles Hackett, CEO of DSAA, 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.”

In October last year, DSAA announced it was allocating £30 million from reserves to fund the purchase and fit-out of a second helicopter, as well as redeveloping its operational base, and to support modernisation projects.