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LifeFlight’s new AW139 helicopters have arrived in North West Queensland ahead of the opening of a new base in Mount Isa next year.
The first of the upgraded helicopters, VH-LF3, touched down in Mount Isa this week, with LifeFlight CEO Ashley van de Velde saying the AW139 is the perfect search and rescue aircraft to cover the long distances in the region.
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“The AW139 is ideal for these emergencies as they can travel farther and faster, responding swiftly when we are tasked. Demand in the North West continues to increase year on year, which is why we’re investing in the best aeromedical helicopters to serve the region,” he said.
“This would not have been possible without our North West Regional Advisory Committee including former chair Hon Tony McGrady, current chair John Wharton, who is the Mayor of Richmond, and committee member Gregory Campbell, the Mayor of Cloncurry, who have worked tirelessly since 2015 towards this goal.
“The Queensland Government also played a pivotal role through the 10-year funding agreement signed with LifeFlight, which has enabled the service to be upgraded to the AW139.”
Aeromedical crews based in Mount Isa have seen a growth in demand over the past few years, with missions up 34 per cent in 2024, and 103 people airlifted to safety including motor vehicle crashes, animal injuries, and search and rescue operations.
According to Mayor Wharton, the helicopters will be a “massive boost” in a region that relies heavily on primary industries.
“The increased range and capability of the AW139 means we can reach more people in the North West than ever before, which makes it so essential to serving the region,” he said.
“The AW139’s arrival represents many years of advocacy and is a great achievement for the whole community.”
LifeFlight has over the past year moved to expand its fleet, as well as opening a new maintenance hub at Brisbane’s Archerfield Airport. The aeromedical organisation is building a new base at the Sunshine Coast and will be part of Brisbane Airport’s medical precinct, set to complete by late 2026.
LifeFlight added its first of three new AW139 helicopters in December, with the organisation also signing a fresh $1.25 billion 10-year service agreement with Queensland Health. It signed a deal for another four of the helicopters in March.
