LCI delivers two new AW139s to Babcock Australasia for EMS ops

LCI has delivered two new AW139s, featuring a dragonfly design, to Babcock Australasia.

LCI has delivered two new Leonardo AW139 helicopters to Babcock Australasia for emergency medical services (EMS) missions across the Torres Strait and the Northern Peninsula of Queensland, Australia.

The helicopters are undergoing modification for their EMS role and were placed in LCI’s joint venture with SMFL: SMFL LCI Helicopters. The aircraft will be based at Horn Island in the Torres Strait and support Babcock’s operations for the Queensland government. In addition to 24/7 availability for EMS missions, their role will include  search and rescue (SAR) services across the strait.

The AW139s are fitted with a power loading stretcher system, a winch and an Electro Optic/Infra-Red Camera for enhanced SAR, EMS and other missions serving the remote island community.

The liveries of both aircraft – featuring a dragonfly design – were produced by Torres Strait artist, Alick Tipoti.

Nigel Leishman, chief commercial officer of LCI, said: “We are delighted to be providing two new AW139 helicopters, equipped with latest equipment for EMS and other mission critical services, to our longstanding partner Babcock.” The new aircraft will improve the speed, range and capability of its operations in Queensland, he added.

Duncan Milne, MD, Aviation & Critical Services, Babcock Australasia said: “LCI has helped us to deliver EMS and mission critical solutions of exceptional quality across the globe for many years. These latest helicopters are a significant step forward for both LCI and Babcock in our support of highly effective emergency services in the harder to reach parts of Australia.”

LCI is a longstanding leasing partner to the Babcock group and provides 18 helicopters for range of operational roles worldwide.