Queensland Police Service launches two new helicopters at Townsville base

Australia’s Queensland Police Service (QPS) has announced the launch of two new Bell 429 police helicopters into full service, following a ceremony on 28 April.

The helicopters, which will serve the Northern District of Queensland from their base in the city of Townsville, were delivered under a 10-year service contract between the QPS and local service provider Meridian Helicopters.

The rotorcraft replace two temporary helicopters previously operated by Meridian on behalf of QPS since the start of the current contract in January 2024.

POLAIR, the service’s police aviation unit, will use the aircraft to respond to a range of incidents, including stolen vehicles, serious domestic incidents, missing persons, and tracking offenders.

“The POLAIR helicopters are equipped with state-of-the-art mission role equipment, including forward-looking infrared (FLIR) camera sensors, that provide real-time situational awareness to frontline and specialist police,” said Chief Inspector Daniel Bust, Police Air Operations Manager at QPS. “This means police on the ground have access to critical information as events unfold, enhancing decision-making, improving officer safety, and increasing the likelihood of apprehending offenders.”