Australian Helicopters will operate new AW139s, similar to this EMQ machine, on a new 10-year contract with Ambulance Victoria. (Paul Sadler)
The Victorian state government has awarded a 10-year contract for Ambulance Victoria helicopter services to Australian Helicopters.
The new contract will see two new AgustaWestland AW139 helicopters acquired and operated by the company, and adds to the existing contract the company already has in place with the government for services at Warrnambool and Essendon.
“We are extremely proud and excited to be awarded this contract by Ambulance Victoria,” Australian Helicopters managing director John Boag said. “The internal dimensions of the AW139 makes [it] the best choice for primary and secondary EMS applications and allows the transport for up to two stretcher patients if required. The aircraft are faster, can travel longer distances without refuelling and utilise state-of-the-art avionics technology. We look forward to continuing our partnership with Ambulance Victoria and the Victorian Government to support the community over the next decade.”
The new helicopters will be operational from January 2016, and will be based in the Latrobe Valley and at Bendigo.
4 comments
I think you will find that they will need more than two 139’s! They will also be using them at Warrnabool and Essendon bases as well……4 bases all up plus HEMS1, which is presently crewed by VicPol…that makes 5 operational 139’s required plus spare.
I think they already operate the Warrnambool and Essendon services.
Cheers
Andrew
It’s a typo. Six AW139s will be purchased for contract provision.
They are acquiring 6 AW139. Two at Essendon, one for each of the other bases and a spare. They currently operate B412 at Essendon and Warrnambool which will be replaced.