In an announcement at the Avalon Australian International Airshow, Bell Textron Inc. has revealed that the Queensland Police Service (QPS) has entered into a POLAIR contract with Townsville-based Meridian Helicopters, which will see Meridian operate three Bell 429s on law enforcement missions. The new contract, which is based on the existing Bell 429-based POLAIR contract with Surf Life Saving Queensland (SLSQ) signed in 2022, will see Meridian supporting on-ground policing efforts in the northern part of the state for the next 10 years.
“It fills us with much pride to have QPS and their service providers see the immense value the Bell 429 brings to the table, especially in keeping Queenslanders, far and wide, safe. The addition of these three aircraft will enhance QPS’s aerial functions, improve response times and support critical missions, reinforcing the global reputation of the Bell 429 as a high quality and reliable law enforcement platform,” said Daniel McQuestin, Business Development Director for Bell in Australia, New Zealand and the Pacific Rim.
Image: Kana Photography/Surf Life Saving Queensland
