LifeFlight Australia orders three more AW139s
The helicopters join two of the same type ordered in 2023 for use by LifeFlight’s joint venture, StarFlight
Helicopter manufacturer Leonardo announced an order for three more AW139 intermediate twin-engine helicopters from LifeFlight Australia at HELI-EXPO 2024.
The aircraft will be used to conduct helicopter emergency medical services (HEMS) and search and rescue (SAR) operations.
The three rotorcraft join two ordered in late 2023 for use by LifeFlight’s joint venture StarFlight, as well as 11 AW139s already actively operated by the two companies. These latest orders will bring the total number of helicopters in the fleet to 16.
The AW139 is powered by two Pratt & Whitney PT6C-67C turboshafts with full authority digital engine control (FADEC), and is capable of cruise speeds of 306km/h, with a range of 1,187km and a maximum endurance of 5hrs 38mins. In standard configuration, it can carry two crewmembers, as well as up to 15 passengers in its cabin.
The Fire and Rescue Department of Malaysia (JBPM) announced plans to acquire two more AW139s of its own 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.