LifeFlight and Leonardo have announced a key partnership to enhance aeromedical rotary wing services across Australia with cutting-edge technology and a shared commitment to save lives.
Set to take shape over the next three years, the agreement is valued at more than $250 million and will include new aircraft, while injecting significant investment into state-of-the-art training and engineering facilities in Queensland.
The technological expertise of the Italian aircraft manufacturer combined with engineering and training facility investment will be a ‘game changer’ for Helicopter Emergency Medical Services (HEMS), Search and Rescue (SAR), natural disaster response, defence, law enforcement and surveillance.
LifeFlight chief executive officer Ashley van de Velde, said the not-for-profit organisation, which first took to the skies in 1979, is well positioned to meet unprecedented demand for its services.
“What started as a single rescue helicopter in Queensland now has 20 aircraft across Australia and employs around 500 staff, all committed to helping others when an emergency strikes,” he said.
“The partnership with Leonardo is another step in LifeFlight’s growth in response to increased demand for aeromedical rescue services and a tremendous coup for the Australian aeromedical sector in Australia.
“With an expanded fleet and enhanced capabilities and support, LifeFlight can reach more individuals, continue to grow in response to rising demand, and contribute to the goal of achieving equitable healthcare across Australia.”
The partnership will also further strengthen LifeFlight’s commercial activities, including its StarFlight joint venture with LinFox Group. The operation provides three AW139 helicopters to Victoria Police.
Leonardo Helicopters managing director Gian Piero Cutillo, said it’s the first time the company had a committed presence in Queensland.
“We are excited to further develop a decade-long relationship with LifeFlight as one of Australia’s largest aeromedical operators that goes beyond building and providing helicopters,” he said.
“LifeFlight is ideally placed to support Leonardo’s growth plans for the Asia Pacific region.
“Beyond aircraft manufacturing, Leonardo invests in digital technologies to enhance EMS operations.
“Leonardo brings the technology to support the significant capabilities of LifeFlight which continues to grow.
“The partnership reflects our commitment to provide comprehensive support and maintenance services to its global customer base.”
The agreement will also see LifeFlight become an authorised service centre in Australia to deliver a range of maintenance and repair services for Leonardo helicopters from its 5,000sqm LifeFlight Clive Berghofer Maintenance Centre at Archerfield Airport in Brisbane.
The facility will support Leonardo’s service centre in Melbourne and strengthen services for Australia’s extensive Leonardo fleet, commencing with the Queensland aeromedical network.
Meanwhile LifeFlight’s Training Academy will become an accredited Leonardo Authorised Training Centre, further supporting pilots and crews to practice complex procedures in a controlled environment.
The academy delivers training to 1500 aviation and medical professionals annually, meeting the highest industry standards.
LifeFlight and Leonardo will introduce advanced high-fidelity, immersive simulation devices for all training requirements in a wide range of operational scenarios that pilots and crew might face while on rescue missions.
The partnership heralds a new era for LifeFlight and builds on the 10-year, $1.2 billion service agreement with the Queensland Government for emergency helicopter services.
LifeFlight operates across 1.85 million square kilometres in Queensland and supports search and rescue efforts across 53 million square kilometres of land and sea for the Australian Maritime Safety Authority.
It recently ordered four additional Leonardo AW139 helicopters announced at Verticon 2025, the world’s largest vertical aviation trade show in the United States.
By 2027, LifeFlight and StarFlight’s 20-strong AW139 fleet will be among the largest in the country.
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.
