Haverfordwest Airport has celebrated a remarkable aviation milestone this summer, hosting a record-breaking number of aircraft while raising vital funds for two lifesaving services.
Record-Breaking Turnout for Vital Causes
This August witnessed an extraordinary sight at the family-run airport as 75 aircraft touched down during a special fly-in event, smashing previous records. The gathering raised hundreds of pounds for Wales Air Ambulance and Blood Bikes, two services crucial to healthcare delivery across the region.
Airport director Charlotte Rees, 28, expressed her amazement at the community response. "We were absolutely blown away by the turnout," she said, noting that the event marked a special year for the airport after it officially took over its lease from Pembrokeshire County Council in April.
Community Spirit Takes Flight
Over two action-packed days, the airport recorded 155 aircraft movements, with organisers donating 100% of landing fees to the chosen charities. The event expanded beyond the aviation community with a public open day and BBQ at Propellers Café, collectively raising £693 to be split equally between both causes.
Mike May, Wales Air Ambulance regional fundraising manager for Carmarthenshire and Pembrokeshire, praised the achievement. "Everyone should be very proud of what they achieved," he remarked. "Over 75 aircraft travelled from all over England, Scotland, and Ireland. It was a fantastic way to bring the aviation community together for two incredible causes."
Three Generations of Aviation Service
The event held particular significance for Charlotte Rees, whose family connection to Haverfordwest Airport spans three generations. Her grandparents and uncle established a flying school there in 1976, with the family's aviation legacy continuing through Fly Wales, the airport's air charter service.
"We repatriate patients, transport them to hospitals, work with the NHS on organ transport, and even move babies to specialist units," Charlotte explained, highlighting the airport's often overlooked medical transport capabilities. "I'm amazed how many people don't realise what we do right here in Pembrokeshire."
The airport's charitable partnerships run deep, serving as a fuel supplier to Wales Air Ambulance while hosting the Blood Bikes service, which provides 24/7 transport of blood, samples, and medical supplies to the NHS.
With her first child due in January, Charlotte's commitment to community service remains undimmed. "We've already been talking about what we can do in aid of Wales Air Ambulance next year," she revealed. "We'd love to raise even more to help save lives."
