Employees from Swissport Western Europe supported the West Midlands Ambulance Service, providing technical support to maintain and upkeep NHS ambulances during the Coronavirus lockdown.

The initiative, which was introduced across workshops in Coventry and Birmingham within the West Midlands Ambulance Service provided technical expertise and on-hand support in ambulance repairs, when needed. With the increased demand for patient care and consequently ambulance services, Swissport technicians provided essential support in keeping the NHS front line moving throughout the Coronavirus pandemic.

The technicians, who usually work on sophisticated aircraft equipment, such as de-icing units and machinery for loading and unloading cargo, quickly transferred their skills and supported with ambulance repairs, providing advice and guidance to the West Midlands Ambulance Service fleet team.

John Edmunds, Head of Fleet who recognised the support his team could provide and set up the initiative said: “It’s marvelous that in a small way we could play a part in the fight against this terrible virus. Our technicians fitted in immediately with their counterparts in the West Midlands Ambulance Services workshop network. The West Midlands Ambulance Service hugely appreciated the support the team provided during the lockdown and together we delivered an average daily fleet availability of 98% across the ambulance fleet – for 999 emergency operation.”

Phil Moore, Regional Fleet Manager added: “The initiative was an excellent opportunity to learn new skills and transfer knowledge between both parties. A mutual appreciation, thanks and respect has been made between the two teams. Our team even invited the West Midlands Ambulance technicians to the Birmingham Airport Swissport workshop, where we maintain our fleet supporting our aircraft customers. We look forward to receiving our newfound friends.”

This was just one of a number of initiatives set up by Swissport Western Europe to support the NHS and other businesses in response to the Covid-19 pandemic. In other steps, Swissport Western Europe provided support in the handling and moving of PPE and NHS equipment to ensure it reached NHS services across the country.