National Police Air Service

Rollout NPAS became operational on 1 October 2012, and was rolled out across England and Wales in stages. However that did not materialise. Base closures In February 2015, it was announced that, due to a 14% cut in revenue over the following three years, NPAS would be closing ten bases over two years. Fixed-wing operations In response to slashed budgets, NPAS investigated the use of fixed-wing aircraft, which are cheaper to fly and maintain. A new aeroplane base was created at Doncaster Airport, housing four fixed-wing Vulcanair P68R aircraft. This became operational in early 2020. The aircraft provide national coverage in England and Wales from their Doncaster base, with a range of , remaining airborne for up to 8hours. , the aircraft had been deployed 1,564 times. They commenced operation at their new home East Midlands Airport on 26 December 2023. ==Criticism==

There was some initial criticism from forces around the service provided by NPAS when it began operation. This was primarily due to the reduction in number of bases and aircraft available, following general cuts by the UK Home Office to police funding. This led to Her Majesty's Inspectorate of Constabulary and Fire & Rescue Services (HMICFRS) conducting a case study of NPAS with its conclusions made public on 30 November 2017. The report commented at some length on the governance and funding of the service provided. The report specifically stated that there was no criticism of NPAS staff or its operational delivery. HMICFRS included the following observation in its press release: ==Fleet==

• Airbus Helicopters H135 - 20 • One additional H135, formerly on long-term lease with the Norwegian Police Service, now serves exclusively as a training helicopter for new tactical flight officers • Airbus Helicopters H145 - four • Vulcanair P68R - four ==See also==