Manx Care has confirmed new five‑year contracts to operate the island’s emergency air bridge, securing the services that support urgent and life‑saving patient transfers.
The agreements follow a full Air Tender process reviewing the island’s fixed‑wing air ambulance, helicopter emergency medical service (HEMS) and UK road ambulance provision.
IAS Medical Ltd will continue to deliver fixed‑wing air ambulance and repatriation flights, while the Great North Air Ambulance Service (GNAAS) has been reappointed to provide HEMS support.
UK road ambulance transfers from airports to receiving hospitals will be handled by Spark UK Medical Ltd. All contracts include an option to extend for a further two years.
Air Bridge Deal
Will Bellamy, Divisional Director for Ambulance and Transfer Services at Manx Care, said the long‑term arrangements strengthen “continuity, resilience and stability” across the island’s patient transfer network.
The emergency air bridge plays a critical role in enabling seriously ill patients and major trauma cases to reach specialist centres, including major trauma units and cardiac hospitals, with air ambulance clinicians working alongside the Isle of Man Ambulance Service to deliver advanced pre‑hospital care.
Providers welcomed the renewed partnerships, with IAS Medical describing the air bridge as a “lifeline”, GNAAS highlighting its ambition to expand towards day‑and‑night operations, and Spark UK Medical emphasising its focus on safe, patient‑centred onward transfers.
Manx Care said the completion of the tender ensures the island can continue delivering reliable, high‑quality emergency transfer services for residents.
