Italy's Leonardo has been sent orders for two AW139s by three Australian companies, with CQ Rescue and StarFlight Australia joining Babcock in deploying the helicopters on rescue and medical missions across the vast and sparsely-populated south Pacific country.
CQ Rescue will use the aircraft over the Mackay region of Central Queensland, flying twice as far and with a 30% increase in mission speed compared to the previous helicopters, according to Leonardo.
“The aeromedical service we deliver and type of missions we complete are unique, being very time consuming and over long distances. The AW139s will deliver enormous benefits to our service including new generation avionics, superior performance, proven technology, and exceptional safety features.” said Tim Healee, CQ's chief executive.
"We already operate a number of these aircraft in our fleet and are constantly impressed with their reliability, quality, and serviceability," said Ashley van de Velee, chief executive of Starflight, another Queensland-focused provider of rescue and medical services to remote communities and farms.
LCI had earlier on March 3 announced it would lease two AW139s choppers to Babcock for similar work.