Toll Ambulance Rescue marks 40,000 flight hours and 24,000 missions

Australia’s Toll Ambulance Rescue Helicopter Service has reached two major milestones, recording 40,000 flight hours and more than 24,000 critical care missions since it began operations on 10 January 2017.

The fleet of eight AW139 helicopters, operated by Toll in partnership with NSW Ambulance, provides 24/7 emergency medical, search and rescue, and interhospital transport services from bases in Sydney, Orange, Wollongong and Canberra. The service also partners with the Newborn & Paediatric Emergency Transport Service (NETS) to deliver neonatal and pediatric critical care transport.

Crews are regularly tasked to some of the most challenging environments in New South Wales and the Australian Capital Territory (ACT), from mountainous winch operations and canyon rescues to overwater missions off the coast. Earlier this year, the team’s work was recognized internationally when it received the 2025 Vertical Aviation International Salute to Excellence Golden Hour Award for contributions to air medical transport.

“This is a great milestone for NSW Ambulance and Toll, which together deliver a world-class aeromedical service for patients across NSW – undertaking complex missions in some of the state’s most difficult-to-access areas and harshest terrains,” said NSW Ambulance Chief Executive Dr Dominic Morgan.

Scott Watkins, Senior Vice President of Toll Aviation, said the milestone “gives pause to reflect on the incredible work that the team undertakes every day... and is testament to the strength of the partnership between NSW Ambulance, ACT Ambulance, NETS, and Leonardo Helicopters”.

Leonardo Helicopters executive Stefano Villanti congratulated the team, noting the AW139’s “advanced technology, high performance and safety features” that supported mission success.

For many, the impact is deeply personal. One parent, Nat, whose 11-year-old son was airlifted after a fishing accident, said: “They saved my son’s life… Thank you from the bottom of our hearts to the Toll and NSW Ambulance team.”

Earlier this year Rotor-Lift announced a partnership with Toll Aviation.