A new state-of-the-art helicopter is expected to provide a Sunshine Coast rescue group with enhanced capabilities.
The AW139 heralds a new era for the region’s LifeFlight aeromedical service and is one of seven being rolled out across the state.
The aircraft was manufactured by Italy-based Leonardo and assembled by the engineering team at the LifeFlight Clive Berghofer Maintenance Centre at Archerfield Airport.
LifeFlight issued a media release stating that the AW139 is the most advanced aeromedical rescue helicopter in the world, with a maximum cruise speed of 305km/h and a range of 895km.
The arrival of one to the Sunshine Coast comes after LifeFlight started a $250 million partnership with Leonardo, including new aircraft and significant investment into training and engineering facilities in Queensland.
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Construction is also underway on a new $18.5 million Sunshine Coast base.
The facility will accommodate two AW139 helicopters and one Challenger 604 jet and is close to three times the size of the current hangar.
Last month LifeFlight raised a record $292,095 for the Sunshine Coast base fit-out at a glitzy gala attended by 500 guests at the Novotel Sunshine Coast Convention Centre.
The Sunshine Coast aeromedical crew helped 569 people in 2024, including paragliders, skydivers, water skiers and boaties.
LifeFlight chief executive officer Ashley van de Velde said the Sunshine Coast was where it all began for the not-for-profit.
“The AW139 is ideal for these emergencies as they can travel further and faster, responding swiftly when we are tasked,” he said.
“Demand on the Sunshine Coast base continues to increase year on year, which is why we’re investing in the best aeromedical helicopters to serve the region where LifeFlight first took to the skies back in 1979.”
LifeFlight head of flying operations Jeremy Ovens said the new AW139, which will replace an ageing helicopter, provided a boost to the region amid record numbers of people helped in region.
“Because of its location, the Sunshine Coast crew is called out to a wide variety of missions over land and sea,” he said.
“In 2024, we helped 101 people in the wake of motor vehicle crashes, 72 people with cardiac problems, 10 people injured by animals, and five people found following search and rescues.
“Our teams launched the AW139 simulator at LifeFlight and trained pilots to use the aircraft so we know how capable it is particularly with winch rescues or search and rescue operations.”
