NEW CHOPPER CONTRACT A HUGE LIFE FOR REGION'S RESCUE SERVICE
March 10, 2023
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
NEW CHOPPER CONTRACT A HUGE LIFT FOR REGION’S RESCUE SERVICE
RACQ CQ Rescue has announced the signing of a $45 million contract with Leonardo to welcome two AW139 rescue helicopters to the Mackay region.
The exciting announcement was made in Melbourne last week at the Avalon Air Show.
The two state-of-the-art modern helicopters, which set the benchmark in performance, safety and innovation, will replace the workhorse Bell 412 models currently in use and enable CQ Rescue to reach patients in remote and rural communities faster than ever before.
CEO Tim Healee said the AW139s would hugely increase the speed, range and capabilities of our region's rescue helicopter service, which is partly funded by the community.
“The aeromedical service we deliver and type of missions we complete are unique, being very time consuming and over long distances. The AW139s will deliver enormous benefits to our service including state-of-the-art avionics, superior performance, proven technology and exceptional safety features.”
Mr Healee said the AW139 was one of the most reliable platforms in the industry. The two aircraft would be configured jointly for Emergency Medical Services (EMS) and Search and Rescue (SAR) missions.
“These new aircraft will enable our crew to fly twice as far and about 30% faster to reach patients in dire need in remote and rural locations, so it’s an enormous coup for our community."
The two new aircraft are now in production in Italy and are expected to arrive in Mackay in mid-2024.
Mr Healee said the purchase would assure the longevity of the rescue service in Central Queensland and was testament to sound long-term financial management and investment by the board of directors and ongoing community support in the service.
"The plan is to finance these helicopters over the next 10 years, which means we will be more reliant on our community support than ever before," he said.
"But we are also giving back to our supporters and this community by providing the best technology there is in the aeromedical industry."
RACQ Head of Advocacy Joshua Cooney said two AW139s for the Mackay-based rescue helicopter service would strengthen the lifesaving care provided to communities across Central and North Queensland.
“Having access to faster, more advanced and reliable aeromedical aircraft is crucial when every minute counts,” Mr Cooney said.
“RACQ has proudly supported CQ Rescue as a naming rights sponsor since 2001 and there’s never been a time when this service is more needed. We thank our RACQ members for helping us to ensure CQ Rescue’s emergency medical care is available 24 hours a day, 365 days a year.”
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The $45 million contract for two AW139s was announced at the Avalon Air Show last week, Pictured are Leonardo representatives from left Paolo Alzetta, Roberto Macchiavello and John Skeen, RACQ CQ Rescue CEO Tim Healee, board member Bert Sadleir and Diego Di Sabatino. Seated from left is Vincenzo Alaimo and CQ Rescue board chairman Chris Wright.
Please credit any released photos and video footage to RACQ CQ Rescue.
Please note: Full title of rescue service is RACQ CQ Rescue.
For further information please contact:
Naomi Noy
RACQ CQ Rescue
Ph: 0417 578 182