StarFlight Australia (SFA) has ordered three new Airbus H145 helicopters as part of its commitment to enhance the aeromedical network in Tasmania with modern aircraft.
The order followed the decision in August by the Tasmanian Government to award StarFlight a $354 million contract over 12 years to provide helicopter emergency medical services.
The Airbus helicopters are expected to enter service in late 2027 and bring a versatile platform able to adapt to aeromedical, search and rescue and law enforcement missions.
StarFlight Chair Dennis Richardson AC, said the Airbus helicopters represented an important step forward for aeromedical services in Tasmania.
“The investment in the H145 demonstrates our commitment to strengthening aeromedical and emergency service capability in Tasmania for the long term,” Richardson said.
The new fleet is expected to fly about 1,500 hours per year over the next decade.
“By partnering with Airbus and drawing on its proven support network in Australia, we are positioning StarFlight to deliver sustained reliability, innovation, and value to the Tasmanian Government and the communities we serve," Richardson stated.
StarFlight Australia is a joint venture company between Linfox and LifeFlight Australia that leverages LifeFlight’s aeromedical expertise and national training capability, and Linfox’s logistics and operational support.
It has demonstrated its capability through a successful partnership with Victoria Police (VicPol) where StarFlight has provided leased aircraft and engineering expertise to the Victorian Government.
StarFlight Australia will begin operations in Tasmania on 12 January, 2026.
StarFlight was established in 2017 to tender for the 10-year VicPol contract. It has provided aircraft and support services for three AW139 helicopters, maintenance workforce and engineering support, provision of pilot and Tactical Flight Officer (TFO) training, fuel truck and management services.
LifeFlight possesses a fleet that it operates from eight Queensland bases and directly services an area of 1.85 million square kilometres. It supports search and rescue efforts across 53 million square kilometres of land and sea for the Australian Maritime Safety Authority.
LifeFlight recently welcomed three new AW139 helicopters to its fleet.