Australia’s RFDS acquires PC-12 PRO air ambulance
The aircraft will provide air medical services across the central corridor of South Australia and the Northern Territory
Australia’s Royal Flying Doctor Service (RFDS) has acquired the first of a fleet of five PC-12 PRO fixed-wing aircraft from manufacturer Pilatus.
The aircraft is the first ever PC-12 PRO to be delivered in air medical configuration, and will be used by RFDS as part of its Central Operations fleet, serving patients across South Australia and the Northern Territory.
The plane features a Garmin 3000 avionics system, a Safety Autoland System, and a 9m3 pressurized cabin with a large cargo door and a lift system.
“The PC-12 has an outstanding safety record, and a proven history of reliability operating in the diverse and challenging environments where we deliver services, from southern Australia to the tropics in the Top End,” said Tony Vaughan, Chief Executive for South Australia and the Northern Territory at RFDS. “It will strengthen our fleet reliability and our ability to respond quickly, safely, and efficiently.”
The state government of Western Australia recently announced plans to construct a purpose-built headquarters for its emergency aviation services at Jandakot Airport.
Oliver Cuenca
Oliver Cuenca is a Junior Editor at AirMed&Rescue. He was previously a News and Features Journalist for the rail magazine IRJ until 2021, and studied MA Magazine Journalism at Cardiff University. His favourite helicopter is the AW169 – the workhorse of the UK air ambulance sector! He also led the creation of Waypoint: The AirMed&Rescue podcast, serving as its Production Editor and co-host.