New Cairns helicopter undergoes final testing

The Bligh Government’s $48 million investment in three state-of-the-art emergency services helicopters has been finalised.

Mr Roberts said the third and final AW 139 helicopter has arrived in Cairns and is undergoing final testing, with operations likely to start by the end of the year.

“The new helicopter, to be based in Cairns, is one of three new aircraft, with the other two based in Brisbane and Townsville.

“The AW 139 fleet is the most advanced helicopter rescue fleet in Australia.

“This chopper will fly further and faster - with a 30% increase in range and a 20% increase in speed than the helicopter it replaces.

“This means an approximate reduction in response times of 25 minutes for a two-hour mission.

“It also has a larger cabin, which allows more space for medical treatment.

“The helicopters are night-vision capable – with EMQ being the first civilian emergency helicopter service in Australia to get CASA approval to use this high-tech equipment. The aircraft are also fitted with an autohover capability for safer operations such as winching over water.”

Mr Roberts is due to inspect the state-of-the-art chopper at it’s base at Cairns Airport tomorrow.

“I’m delighted to be able to hand-over the keys to this third and final EMQ chopper to the crew here in Cairns with the knowledge of the important role it will play in the Far North,” Mr Roberts said.

“It will be at the forefront of search and rescue and medical evacuations carrying out the most important of roles - saving lives.

“The arrival of the new Cairns helicopter brings the transformation of the Queensland Government’s helicopter rescue fleet one step closer.

“The Government now has brand new state-of-the-art helicopters at our bases in Cairns, Townsville and Brisbane. Through additional budget allocations we will also have one back-up aircraft place in South-east Queensland and one in North Queensland.

“The North Queensland back-up will be based in Townsville but will be deployed between its home base and the Cairns base according to need.

“This helicopter is further evidence of the Bligh Government’s commitment to providing the very best in emergency services for the people of North Queensland.”

Visit Details:

Media are invited to attend a press conference where the Minister will inspect the helicopter tomorrow. An opportunity will be available to be able to get some footage of the new helicopter.

Where – Emergency Management Queensland Hanger, Airport Avenue, Cairns Airport.

When – 9am, Friday October 31.

Media contact – Corinne Mulholland (Minister’s office) – 0411 964 462