LifeFlight receives new helicopter as service expands

The new AW139 will be dedicated to the Queensland Health services contract, supporting a fleet of eight AW139s across five fully funded LifeFlight bases in Toowoomba, Brisbane, Sunshine Coast, Bundaberg and Mount Isa.

In 2023, the Queensland state government committed to a A$1.25 billion funding agreement over 10 years for LifeFlight’s Queensland helicopter operations, providing certainty that vital search, rescue and air medical services would continue.

The aircraft was manufactured by Italy-based Leonardo and transported to the LifeFlight Clive Berghofer Maintenance Centre, where it was assembled by LifeFlight’s engineering team.

With a maximum cruise speed of 305km/h and a range of 895km, AW139s are well suited to search and rescue (SAR) missions in Australia, whether out to sea, in the outback or winching in mountainous terrain.

LifeFlight’s Chief Executive Officer, Ashley van de Velde OAM, said that LifeFlight’s investment in an enhanced fleet ensured the organization continued to evolve. “Our challenge is to future-proof our service at a time of strong population growth and increasing demand from Queensland Health to meet even higher standards of service to the community, bringing additional pressure on our fleet,” he said.

“AW139s can travel further and faster, which is critical to continuing to deliver the high standard of service and care that Queenslanders have come to expect from LifeFlight.”

Head of Flight Operations Jeremy Ovens said the new AW139s provided a boost to LifeFlight’s capability at a time when the organization was helping a record number of people.

“In FY24 we helped more than 8,000 people, 11% higher than the previous year, so having these helicopters means we can respond more efficiently when and where we are needed,” he said.

“I launched the AW139 simulator at LifeFlight and trained pilots to use the aircraft, and we know how capable it is, particularly with winch rescues or SAR operations.”

LifeFlight Australia recently began construction of a new A$18.5 million base at Sunshine Coast Airport in Queensland.