A Sunshine Coast-based aviation company that has a fleet of more than 50 helicopters is preparing to launch a manufacturing plan for a “tried and proven” aircraft series.
McDermott Aviation is using the Verticon 2026 conference in Atlanta to introduce the global aviation industry to its rollout of a manufacturer-backed program for the McDermott 214ST helicopter platform.
Already recognised as the world’s largest operator of the Bell 214 series helicopters, the company is now preparing to position itself as the manufacturer and global supplier of the 214ST platform, supported by its ownership of the aircraft’s Type Certificate.
The move represents a significant evolution for McDermott Aviation, which has spent decades operating, maintaining and engineering the aircraft in demanding environments including aerial firefighting, heavy-lift logistics and disaster response operations.
Founder and president John McDermott said the program marked the rebirth of a proven aircraft platform, backed by decades of operational knowledge.
“What’s particularly interesting about this program is that it’s essentially the rebirth of a tried and proven helicopter,” he said.
“As the new manufacturer, we have the unique advantage of being able to incorporate all the improvements that have emerged over more than 40 years of operational experience.
“That includes service bulletins, service letters and other enhancements that improve longevity and continued airworthiness. Operators are no longer the ‘crash test dummy’ – they’re receiving an aircraft that benefits from decades of real-world operational learning.”
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The aircraft has been widely deployed across aerial firefighting operations, heavy-lift missions and disaster response activities, while also supporting search and rescue and specialised work in natural resource industries.
Ownership of the 214ST Type Certificate enables McDermott Aviation to oversee ongoing airframe improvements, ensure long-term parts availability and develop mission-specific modifications for operators worldwide.
The company plans to offer the aircraft through a range of acquisition pathways including direct purchase, dry lease and fully supported wet lease arrangements, supported by training programs, engineering services and global logistics support.
Delivery slots for refurbished aircraft are expected to begin from 2027, with factory-new aircraft targeted for 2028-29 production timelines.
“We’ve spent decades operating these aircraft around the world in some of the most demanding conditions imaginable,” Mr McDermott said.
“We understand what operators need because we’ve been in their position. This program is about ensuring the industry continues to have access to a heavy-lift helicopter platform that is reliable, capable and supported by people who know it inside out.”
McDermott Aviation was established in 1982 and is Australia’s largest privately owned helicopter operator.
