After 26 years of critical service, London’s Air Ambulance Charity has announced the retirement of their iconic MD902 Explorer helicopters, G-LNDN and G-EHMS. The charity shared the news, paying tribute to the role the aircraft played in saving countless lives across the capital.
The MD902 helicopters have been instrumental in allowing the advanced trauma team to reach critically ill patients across London in under 11 minutes, providing rapid, life-saving care at the scene of emergencies. These helicopters have been a vital part of London’s emergency response, often flying over the city’s skyline to reach people in their time of greatest need.
“Over the last 26 years, our MD902 Explorers have helped us to reach thousands of seriously ill patients across London,” the charity wrote in a tweet, adding that the helicopters allowed the team to provide advanced trauma procedures that significantly improved patient outcomes.
A Legacy of Life-Saving Impact
Since their introduction, the MD902 Explorers have been at the forefront of emergency care innovation, helping the charity’s highly skilled trauma doctors and paramedics deliver care normally only found in hospitals directly at the scene. From severe accidents to medical emergencies, these helicopters have allowed the team to offer interventions such as open-heart surgery, blood transfusions, and advanced airway management.

The MD902s are now being replaced by newer helicopters that will continue to ensure rapid response times and the delivery of cutting-edge medical assistance across the city.
Continuing the Mission
The retirement of G-LNDN and G-EHMS marks the end of an era for London’s Air Ambulance, but the charity is committed to continuing its mission with upgraded helicopters that are better equipped to meet the growing demands of a bustling city like London.
“Although it’s the end of an era for these iconic aircraft, our commitment to providing the best possible care to London’s residents remains as strong as ever,” a spokesperson for London’s Air Ambulance said. The charity is focusing on upgrading its fleet to ensure faster and more efficient care, as well as continuing its investment in training and medical technology to save even more lives in the future.

London’s Air Ambulance Charity relies heavily on public donations to fund their operations, and they have been working to ensure that their new helicopters are equipped with the latest life-saving technology. As the team bids farewell to the MD902s, they also look ahead to the future of emergency care in London, with a new fleet ready to continue their vital mission.
Support for London’s Air Ambulance
The charity has expressed gratitude to the public for their ongoing support, which has helped them maintain their life-saving service. They urge Londoners to continue backing their initiatives as they take the next step in their journey to save lives.
With their motto of being there “when minutes matter,” London’s Air Ambulance Charity remains committed to providing the fastest and most effective emergency response service in the capital.