Well-known philanthropist David Barber has donated $2 million to buy Bermuda an air ambulance.

The Cessna Citation S2, an 11-seater jet, will be based in Bermuda for critically injured and seriously ill patients who require immediate care off the Island. Mr. Barber made the donation in memory of his wife, Mary.

The cheque will be presented to Eloise Bell, vice president of Bermuda Air Medivac Limited, at Mr. Barber?s home tomorrow.

The number of patients being airlifted out of Bermuda has increased annually over the past few years, a trend which is expected to continue, according to Bermuda Air Medivac. In 2003, 201 patients were airlifted off the Island.

Currently Bermuda uses a number of air ambulances based in the United States and Canada, where response times vary from six to 24 hours. With the Bermuda-based aircraft, however, response time can be decreased to within one or two hours of the crisis.

The Cessna Citation S2 has a range of 1,430 nautical miles and a normal cruising speed of 386 knots. It is capable of reaching the east coast of the United States in 1.5 to two hours.

The aircraft is being equipped with the most modern medical equipment available, a statement from Bermuda Air Medivac said, including equipment for transporting at-risk babies. The plane and crew will be certified by the United States Federal Aviation Administration, and the company will be using medical personnel, doctors and nurses from King Edward VII Memorial Hospital, who have all had extensive critical care experience.

It is expected that the service will be in operation within the next two months.

Mr. Barber, who recently turned 91, is famous in Bermuda for his generosity to Island charities. At his 91st birthday guests made donations to the Bermuda Heart Foundation, the Bermuda TB Cancer and Health Association, Project Action, and PALS in lieu of gifts.