The Royal Flying Doctor Service (RFDS) has bought two new Beechcraft King Air B200s for their Queensland Section. The aircraft are currently being built with delivery set for the first quarter of 2014.
The brand new twin-engine turbo-props are being specifically produced to suit RFDS special requirements, with a large main undercarriage, high frequency radio and enhanced avionics to meet the latest ADS-B and RNP requirements. The cabins will be fitted with Lifeport dual stretchers and will be able to carry three medical staff and two patients.
Hawker Pacific’s Senior Vice President, Aircraft Sales & Flight Services Group, Tony Jones said: “The Royal Flying Doctor Service is an outstanding organisation that provides aeromedical services to rural and remote parts of Australia. Hawker Pacific has been supporting the RFDS with the supply of new aircraft, aeromedical modifications and through life support for many years and it is a great honour to be working with them on this latest program."
The ability of the King Air to operate from short, unimproved runways is well-suited to the needs of the RFDS and the Queensland Section in particular.
Peter Randell, General Manager Aviation and Service Platforms, RFDS Queensland Section said: “The new B200 will be joining our current fleet of 15 King Airs and will allow us to maintain a static number of aircraft as we retire two well-serving B200s that have reached the end of their lifecycle. We’re very pleased to be working again with Hawker Pacific and we are very much looking forward to receiving these new aircraft early next year.”