LifeFlight's latest AW139 arrived in Mount Isa this week to begin aeromedical and rescue operations in the north-west Queensland region.
The aircraft, VH-LF3, arrived on Thursday, providing upgraded HEMS to a vast tract of the state that is characterised by long distances between communities.
“The AW139 is ideal for these emergencies as they can travel farther and faster, responding swiftly when we are tasked,” said LifeFlight CEO Ashley van de Velde
“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.
“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.”
Pilot Alex Dorr flew LF3 from Archerfield to Mount Isa Airport. Dorr founded the Mount Isa Community Helicopter service (later known as NQ Rescue) in 2007. That service merged with LifeFlight in 2015.
“This is such a special day for me personally and the North West to fly this state-of-the-art helicopter into the region to start airlifting people,” Dorr said.
“We started with a single-engine Jet Ranger helicopter which shows how far we have come in the past 18 years. I fully expect the service to go from strength to strength especially with this enhanced capability.”
Demand for the Mount Isa-based aeromedical crew continues to grow, with 2024 seeing a 34% increase in missions and 103 people airlifted to safety.
MIssions ranged from vehicle accidents, people injured by animals and SAR operations for people lost in the bush.
LIfeFlight previous operated a BK117 from a Mount Isa base shared with the Royal Flying Doctor Service, a facility that is due to be upgraded next year.
LifeFlight operates from 11 locations throughout Queensland flying a mix of AW139, Bell 412, BK117 helicopters and a Challenger 604 fixed-wing jet.