JERSEY’S decision to award its lifeline air ambulance contract to a new operator is set to face a legal challenge next week, after incumbent provider Gama Aviation lost its challenge in Guernsey.

A hearing concerning the Government of Jersey’s decision to appoint 247 Aviation is scheduled for 4 and 5 November, a Gama spokesperson told the JEP.

The separate Jersey proceedings will begin less than two months before the planned handover of the service on 1 January 2027. Gama declined to comment further on the forthcoming hearing.

The company has provided both islands’ emergency air ambulance services since 2020. Its original five-year contract was extended while procurement processes took place, with that extension due to expire on 31 December.

In Guernsey, Lieutenant Bailiff Hazel Marshall dismissed Gama’s application for judicial review after hearings during September and October.

Gama had challenged the fairness and transparency of the tender process, including changes to aircraft requirements in Jersey and the reasoning and scoring behind Guernsey’s decision.

Delivering her ruling, Lieutenant Bailiff Marshall said there was no evidence that Guernsey had treated the bidders unequally and concluded that 247 had won the contract “fair and square”.

The court heard that 247’s proposal had scored more highly in both islands and was cheaper than Gama’s. The judge also criticised Gama’s delay in bringing the Guernsey application.

Gama said it was disappointed by the outcome and would consider whether to appeal.

“We did not take lightly the decision to challenge the States of Guernsey’s award of the island’s lifeline air ambulance contract,” the company said.

“This is the first time in our 43-year history that we have challenged a procurement award.”

It added: “Although the Court recognised several procedural shortcomings, it concluded that our grounds of challenge were insufficient to meet the high bar of a judicial review.”

The Guernsey ruling concerned that island’s procurement decision. Jersey’s award will be considered in the separate proceedings next week.

Gama continues to operate the service ahead of the planned handover.

The Government of Jersey has been contacted for comment.