LifeFlight Australia acquires a Leonardo AW139 for Mount Isa
The helicopter will provide emergency response missions across northwest Queensland
LifeFlight Australia has acquired a new helicopter for its Mount Isa base in northwestern Queensland.
The AW139 has a maximum cruise speed of 305km/h and a range of 895km.
The aircraft will be used to fly search and rescue (SAR) and air medical missions across the surrounding areas, including to remote communities in Mornington Island, Birdsville, and the Northern Territory border.
“The AW139 is ideal for these emergencies as they can travel farther and faster, responding swiftly when we are tasked,” said Ashley van de Velde, CEO of LifeFlight Australia, adding that the northwest was unique due to the vast distances covered and the challenging terrain, while demand continues to increase in that region.
LifeFlight previously acquired an AW139 for its base in Toowoomba earlier this year.
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.