LifeFlight to receive new AW139 helicopter
The aircraft will be the 17th of its type to be delivered to LifeFlight since it began operating the AW139 in 2015
LifeFlight Australia has announced that it will take delivery of its 17th Leonardo AW139 helicopter next week.
The aircraft will be fitted with a range of equipment, including FLIR Star SAFIRE 380-HD thermal imaging, dual Goodrich 600lb rescue hoists, a TrakkaBeam A800 high-intensity searchlight, a removable 20in HD tactical mission console, and a night vision-compatible cockpit and cabin for night operations.
The air medical operator has been using the aircraft type since 2015 to conduct air medical, rescue, and disaster response operations.
LifeFlight has also committed to purchasing further aircraft from Leonardo in the future, and expects to have one of the largest AW139 fleets in Australia by 2027.
The company also announced that it has expanded its partnership with Leonardo with the LifeFlight Clive Berghofer Maintenance Centre Brisbane becoming a Leonardo Authorised Service Centre.
Last month, LifeFlight Australia announced the opening of a new base to serve Queensland’s Sunshine Coast region.
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.