Leonardo has knocked a solid six with AW139 orders at Australia’s Avalon Airshow. In addition to the two aircraft bound for Babcock Australasia via lessor LCI (click here for more), the company has announced orders for a further four AW139s for RACQ Rescue and StarFlight Australia. All six aircraft are due to be delivered in 2024.

The two AW139 platforms ordered by RACQ Rescue will be used in the Mackay region of Central Queensland to perform both on-shore and offshore EMS/SAR missions day and night and in most weather conditions. The aircraft will feature the latest in product enhancement, technology and mission capability, such as advanced avionics, including the latest night vision goggle capability, search and weather radar and the latest in communications to support RACQ Rescue’s extensive mission requirements.

StarFlight Australia’s order consists of two AW139s that will be operated in Queensland and other parts of Australia, carrying out EMS/SAR missions in both on-shore and offshore capacities. The new aircraft featuring all the latest avionics technology, patient care and search and rescue capability, is expected to be delivered in late 2024 and will enter service following local inclusions and modifications required for the mission sector. This new order will bring the total of AW139s operated by the StarFlight and LifeFlight groups to 15, nine of which are dedicated to EMS/SAR missions.

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