Welsh Ambulance Services University NHS Trust (WAST) are looking to procure a design document for the installation of the new communications equipment in the Wales Air Ambulance aircraft. The Airwave Network is due to shut down and WAST are responsible for the communications equipment within the Wales Air Ambulances. There is due to be an introduction to an Emergency Services Network, and the current comms equipment needs to be replaced.

Procurement Act 2023

Direct award The Air Ambulances that operate in Wales (5 in total) are under contract with Gama Aviation for the Maintenance, Repair and Operations (MRO). The current communications system (the wiring and hardware fitting) forms part of the contract. Due to the Airwave Network shutting down in the future and the introduction of the Emergency Services Network (ESN) the current equipment will not be compatible with the ESN. To ensure the Aircraft can transition to the new network, whilst maintaining their critical communications, the existing hardware (including cable loom’s, antennae, and other equipment) needs to be replaced and this can only be completed by Gama Aviation due to the current contract in place. Once installed the new installation will be maintained by Gama Aviation. The installation of the new equipment will be completed at the same time as other, time driven maintenance (i.e. completed after a certain number of flying hours) to ensure the Aircraft are unavailable for as short a period as possible. Gama Aviation are one of a limited number of MRO’s in the UK and were awarded the contact for the Wales Air Ambulance aircraft in 1st Jan 2024 with the contract running to 31st Dec 2030.