The government has switched its air ambulance provider.

A three-year contract for provision of an air ambulance link between the island and the UK has been awarded to IAS Medical, a UK-based operator of national air ambulance services.

The government will not disclose the financial deal.

IAS Medical succeeds Woodgate Aviation, which had the contract for three and a half years.

IAS won a tender exercise.

Health and Social Care Minister David Ashford said: ’I am delighted that we have agreed this contract with IAS Medical, and look forward to forging a strong working relationship. It has taken some time to finalise all the details, but this is a critical service for the Island which meant securing the best possible service we can for patients and staff.

’I am confident our new operator will provide a modern, high quality, robust and above all, reliable emergency transfer service year-round.

’The agreement is good news for the Isle of Man, as we all rely on the air ambulance service being there when we need it. I would like to thank our previous operator Woodgate Aviation for their service to the Isle of Man, providing an air link during some difficult times.’

The principal air ambulance aircraft is based at Ronaldsway. Additional aircraft will be made available when required.

The aircraft is configured to accommodate one patient with seating for four other people.

Two flight crews live close to the airport, with key workers subject to tests for Covid-19 and a modified self-isolation regime.

This means the pilots travel to Ronaldsway when called to transport a patient to the UK but must otherwise remain at their accommodation.

The air ambulance medical team, based at Noble’s, coordinates transfers to the UK of between 400 and 500 patients a year.