Great North Air Ambulance CEO celebrates one year as £2.5m helicopter appeal continues
The Great North Air Ambulance Service (GNAAS) is marking one year since its chief executive officer joined the charity.
Joe Garcia MBE initially started at GNAAS at the end of January last year as interim CEO, before being formally appointed in the role in October 2025.
Mr Garcia is a recognised leader in UK emergency healthcare, with a career spanning more than 35 years across the NHS Ambulance Service, the military and the charitable healthcare sector.
Awarded an MBE in 2021 for Services to Emergency Response, particularly in recognition of his leadership during the Covid-19 pandemic, Mr Garcia has consistently demonstrated a commitment to innovation, transformation and frontline impact.
Speaking about his appointment, Mr Garcia said: “I was truly honoured and excited to join GNAAS as their new CEO.
"This organisation has long been a lifeline to those in need across the North, and I am deeply committed to preserving the exceptional care it provides to patients and their families.”
Since joining, Mr Garcia has prioritised strengthening partnerships with NHS ambulance services, maintaining focus on clinical governance, and ensuring long-term financial and aviation sustainability.
The current GNAAS fleet of two helicopters are reaching the end of their economically viable life, with rising maintenance costs, major parts shortages and extended downtime.
For this reason, in November 2025, GNAAS revealed plans to invest in three state-of-the-art helicopters to ensure that when one is grounded for maintenance or training, there will always be two aircraft with the same capabilities ready to respond.
To support this vital investment, GNAAS launched Operation SOS: Secure Our Service, an appeal to raise £2.5m to secure the deposit for the third aircraft.
The charity has raised more than £500,000 within the first three months of the appeal and hopes to reach its target later this year.
Mr Garcia said: “Reaching £500,000 in the first three months of Operation SOS is an incredible achievement and a powerful demonstration of the trust and generosity shown by our supporters.
“At GNAAS, our ambition is to secure a truly sustainable, world-leading air ambulance service for the North – one that is financially resilient, clinically outstanding and ready for the challenges of the next decade.”