The Australian Border Force (ABF) has engaged Microflite to wet-lease two helicopters for operations in Australia's North.
Through the arrangement, which is funded to the tune of $12.8 million over one year, Microflite is providing the ABF with a helicopter and pilot combination in both Darwin and Broome.
Both aircraft will be primarily be used as part of Operation LEEDSTRUM, which is focused on preventing Illegal, Unreported and Unregulated (IUU) fishing in the Kimberley Marine Park. They will also be employed in support of Operation Sovereign Borders.
“The helicopter gives us the ability to cover a vast amount of distance in a shorter period of time, and be able to land in otherwise inaccessible areas without requiring an airstrip," said ABF Commissioner Michael Outram during a visit to Broome.
“Importantly, the helicopter will also assist with surveillance patrols during the wet season when land patrols can be restricted due to flooding and other dangerous conditions."