Wiltshire and Bath Air Ambulance Charity has seen its helicopter fuel bill more than double as the ongoing conflict in the Middle East drives up global prices, adding more pressure to the organisation’s finances.
The Charity has recently secured 15,000 litres of aviation fuel to keep its helicopter operational, but global supply disruption has driven prices to record levels across Europe. The Gulf region supplies around half of Europe’s aviation fuel, much of which passes through the Strait of Hormuz, an area heavily impacted by the conflict.
As a result, the cost of keeping the Charity’s helicopter in the air has increased significantly at a time when demand for its service remains constant.
Wiltshire and Bath Air Ambulance Charity provides critical medical care by land and air, responding to emergencies across Wiltshire and Bath. As an independent charity, it relies entirely on the generosity of the public and does not receive regular government funding.
Barbara Gray, Chief Executive at the Charity, said, “We are closely monitoring fuel prices and the wider economic situation. Like many organisations, we are facing rising operational costs.
“Our focus remains on supporting the crew to respond to patients in urgent need of critical care.”
Pictured above: Rising aviation fuel prices have placed added pressure on Wiltshire and Bath Air Ambulance’s lifesaving services (IMAGE: Justin Collinge)
