THE Great Western Air Ambulance (GWAA) will remain at Filton even after the airfield has been closed.

A letter sent from BAE Systems, which owns the airfield, to the air ambulance has given assurances that the emergency service can remain at the site.

BAE Systems announced earlier this year plans to sell the 100-year-old airfield, claiming it was no longer financially viable. The company plans to close Filton Airfield by the end of 2012.

The closure had raised concerns over the future of GWAA, which is based at the airfield.

However, a letter from BAE System’s chief executive officer Ian King to GWAA chief executive John Christensen has set minds at rest.

Mr King wrote: "BAE Systems understands the importance of Great Western Air Ambulance to Filton, and the critical role it plays in providing emergency services to the region.

"As you are aware, we are in discussion with your organisation and the other emergency services with respect to your needs for the future."

He added: "BAE Systems is committed to working with you to enable continued operations from within the current airfield boundary."

In the letter Mr King also said the current GWAA HQ would probably need to be moved to a new area within Filton if the land was redeveloped.

GWAA chief executive John Christensen said: "This is really good news and we are grateful to Ian King for this reassurance.

"It’s now important to ensure any new base is suitable and affordable for Great Western Air Ambulance Charity."

Filton is the ideal location for GWAA as it is near the centre of the area the service covers and has excellent access to the M4 and M5 motorways.

GWAA was launched in June 2008 and is a registered charity. The service needs to raise £1.3m each year to stay in the air.

For more information visit www.greatwesternairambulance.com