StarFlight Australia awarded Tasmania HEMS contract
The company will begin operations under the new contract in January of next year
StarFlight Australia (SFA) has been awarded a 12-year contract to provide helicopter emergency medical services (HEMS) in Tasmania, replacing previous operator Rotor-Lift.
StarFlight is due to begin operations in the Australian state on 12 January 2026, building on its existing presence in Tasmania.
The company said that the new contract “will expand its role, embedding modern aircraft, highly trained aeromedical crews, and advanced systems across the state”.
It promised “faster response times, upgraded aircraft capabilities, and better outcomes for patients”.
“It’s an exciting venture for StarFlight and is aligned with the organization’s capability in aeromedicine, search and rescue, and aviation,” said Jim Elder, Director at StarFlight Australia. “StarFlight will provide a locally based, mission-ready rescue service focused on continuity of care, safety, and improved patient outcomes for Tasmania’s most isolated communities.”
StarFlight is a joint venture of LifeFlight Australia and Fox Group Holdings. LifeFlight and StarFlight placed an order for four more AW139s earlier this year.
Oliver Cuenca
Oliver Cuenca is a Junior Editor at the Voyageur Group. 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.