LifeFlight Australia opens new Sunshine Coast base
The base is around three times larger than the one it replaces, and its hangar can hold two helicopters and one fixed-wing jet
LifeFlight Australia has opened a new base to serve Queensland’s Sunshine Coast region, a stretch of coastline located north of Brisbane that is known as a center for tourism.
The 1,500m2 base, which was formally opened on 14 March ahead of the launch of services on 31 March, is around three times larger than the one it replaces, and can accommodate two AW139 helicopters and one Challenger 604 jet.
The new base also features crew accommodation for six people, a patient transfer room, and new training facilities, including simulators for doctor training and space to hold seminars.
It is hoped that the new base will improve the efficiency of LifeFlight’s response across the Sunshine Coast, as well as the neighboring Wide Bay Burnett and South Burnett regions.
Construction of the A$18.5 million hangar was funded by the Queensland Government.
“The Sunshine Coast-based helicopter helped more than 600 people in the past year, which was up 18% from 2024,” said Jim Elder, Chair of LifeFlight Australia. “This new base, delivered in partnership with the Queensland Government and community support, comes as demand on our services soars. It secures our future on the Sunshine Coast helping those in need, no matter where they are, for years to come.”
Last month, English air ambulance charity Dorset and Somerset Air Ambulance announced its intention to develop a new base in Yeovil, Somerset.