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LifeFlight has announced a major partnership with Leonardo Helicopters for a new training academy on the Gold Coast.
The aeromedical services provider will build what it says is “the only full-suite Leonardo immersive simulation systems outside Italy” at its planned LifeFlight Clive Berghofer Training Academy, incorporating high-fidelity simulators and advanced training systems.
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“The LifeFlight Academy will be established as a purpose-built centre for enhanced integrated aviation, aeromedical and offshore emergency training in Australia and the Asia Pacific to prepare personnel for high-risk missions,” said LifeFlight in a press release.
“It combines Leonardo’s global leadership in helicopter and simulation technology with LifeFlight’s 46 years of frontline aeromedical and rescue experience.
“The Academy will support pilots, aircrew, doctors, nurses, paramedics and offshore personnel training together alongside experienced instructors in high-fidelity environments replicating real-world operational conditions.”
Facilities will include full-flight simulators for the AW139 helicopter, as well as the Modular Interactive Trainer for Helicopter Operators (MITHOS), an “advanced immersive system for rear crew”, LifeFlight chief executive Ashley van de Velde said.
“The future of emergency response, aeromedical care and offshore operations depends not just on how we best prepare our people for complex missions, but how well we equip our aircraft,” he said.
“This partnership brings together Leonardo’s world-leading simulation technology and LifeFlight’s real-world operational expertise to create training that is immersive, integrated and mission-ready.
“When we announced our partnership with Leonardo in the past year, it was about building a long-term capability for the region.
“This training platform is at the heart of this capability, developing the people, skills and safety culture that will underpin emergency response, aeromedical care and offshore operations for decades.”
According to Leonardo Helicopters managing director Gian Piero Cutillo, the $250 million partnership with LifeFlight also includes investments in aircraft, maintenance, engineering, and digital technology in Queensland.
“We’re pleased with the progress we made with this important project, extending the collaboration with LifeFlight beyond the delivery of advanced helicopters and technical services,” he said.
“Training is an essential enabler of safe, effective missions and we’re committed to supporting the crews of our helicopters to access the highest quality of service so they can maximise the benefits this technology can bring to their duties.”
Construction of the training centre will begin this year, with an expected 2028 opening.
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