A new LifeFlight AW139 helicopter has arrived at the local base.
It is one of seven AW139s joining the organisation across the state, which boasts one of the largest fleets of the rescue helicopter in Australia.
The aircraft was manufactured by Italy-based Leonardo and assembled by the engineering team at the LifeFlight Clive Berghofer Maintenance Centre at Archerfield Airport.
Its arrival follows LifeFlight announcing a $250 million partnership with Leonardo, including new aircraft, and significant investment into state-of-the-art training and engineering facilities in Queensland.
LifeFlight Chief Executive Officer Ashley van de Velde OAM, said Bundaberg was one of LifeFlight’s busiest bases, particularly when it came to water rescues.
The crew helped 298 people overall in 2024, up nearly 14 per cent on 2023, and was tasked to several rescues, including lost paddleboarders and capsized boaties.
“The AW139 is ideal for these emergencies as they can travel further and faster, responding swiftly when we are tasked,” Mr van de Velde said.
“Demand on the Bundaberg base continues to increase year on year which is why we’re investing in the best aeromedical helicopters to serve the region.”
LifeFlight head of flight operations Jeremy Ovens, said the new AW139 provided a boost to the Bundaberg base amid record numbers of people helped in the Wide Bay-Burnett region.
“Because of its location, Bundaberg is often called out to search and rescue missions over the water,” Mr Ovens said.
“In 2024 it completed 38 search and rescue missions, far more than any other base in the network.
“Our teams launched the AW139 simulator at LifeFlight and trained pilots to use the aircraft, so we know how capable it is particularly with winch rescues or search and rescue operations.”
The AW139 is the most advanced aeromedical rescue helicopter in the world, with a maximum cruise speed of 305 kph and a range of 895km.
The aircraft are perfectly suited to search and rescue missions in Australia, whether out to sea, in the outback or winching in mountainous terrain.
