Southern Vectis has chosen Hampshire and Isle of Wight Air Ambulance as its official charity partner for 2026 and 2027.
The Island bus operator will dedicate the next two years to raising funds and awareness for the life-saving service.
Critical care across the region
Hampshire and Isle of Wight Air Ambulance provides critical care to people during emergencies across the Island and Mainland.
Specialist doctors and paramedics deliver hospital-level treatment at the scene of incidents ranging from road traffic collisions to cardiac arrests.
The charity receives no government or NHS funding and relies entirely on donations to operate.
Record emergency responses
Keith Wilson, Hampshire and Isle of Wight Air Ambulance director of income and engagement, said.
“Every year crew respond to thousands of people having the worst day of their lives.”
He added,
“Whether they’ve been involved in a road traffic collision, suffered a cardiac arrest or had a serious medical episode, our dedicated team doctors, dispatchers, pilots and paramedics are there to give each and every patient the very best chance of survival and recovery.”
Keith revealed the charity responded to a record number of emergencies in 2025 for the fourth consecutive year.
The helicopters currently reach anywhere on the Island within 20 minutes from take-off.
Operation Airbase project
The charity aims to halve response times through its major capital project, Operation Airbase.
Keith said,
“By choosing us as its charity partner, Southern Vectis will play a vital role in helping us reach the finish line in what will be the most transformative step in our charity’s history.”
The charity needs to raise £1.1 million to convert and equip its new purpose-designed airbase.
Keith described this as a once-in-a-generation opportunity to transform how the service delivers life-saving care across the Island.
He said,
“Our partnership isn’t just about raising money. It’s about saving lives and empowering the community Southern Vectis serves every day.”
Staff vote for local cause
Richard Tyldsley, Southern Vectis general manager, said,
“This is a vital part of our local community, and the charity relies on donations from those living and working here.”
He explained that the Southern Vectis team votes for the company’s corporate charity.
Richard said,
“Some of my colleagues have benefited or will benefit directly from the support the air ambulance provides, so we are delighted to be backing this very worthy cause, and raising as much money as possible over the coming years.”
Bus promotion campaign
Southern Vectis will promote the charity on-board and on the rear of one of its buses. Richard added
“Hopefully, the messages will be seen by thousands travelling across the Island – and this will help increase awareness for this very worthy cause.”
For more information about Hampshire and Isle of Wight Air Ambulance, visit the website.
