Queensland Government Air (QGAir) has become the first emergency medical services helicopter operator in Australia to exceed 30,000 operational flight hours on its AW139.

During the 2023 Cairns floods, QGAir was responsible for carrying out aeromedical transfers in Cooktown, in addition to search and rescue welfare checks at several properties, ensuring the safety of Queenslanders affected by the floods. In response to this natural disaster, the QGAir Rotary Wing became the first operator in Australia of an AW139 Emergency Medical Services helicopter to surpass 30,000 operational flight hours.

To mark this achievement, a celebration was held at the Archerfield Hangar with the Archerfield operational and engineering teams being presented with a commemorative print.
Operating within the Aviation Capability Group (ACG) of the Queensland Police Service, QGAir’s fleet serves as a vital asset in frontline aeromedical, search and rescue, law enforcement and government capabilities throughout Queensland. 

QGAir’s fleet of five helicopters are based across Archerfield, Cairns and Townsville and provide more than 3,000 flight hours per annum and an average 2,000 patient rescues and transfers each year.

 “Today we are here to celebrate the outstanding efforts of the QGAir team within the Aviation Capability Group of the Queensland Police Service for reaching a tremendous milestone of 30,000 flight hours. In response to the devastating Cairns floods last year, the QGAir’s swift response meant they were able to conduct aeromedical transfers as well as search and rescue welfare checks, ensuring the safety of our Queensland community members. It is an honorable achievement that valued capability within the Queensland Police Service is the global leader for operating the highest time of Emergency Medical Services operations.” Said Minister Mark Ryan.

Acting Chief Superintendent David French said “This fantastic achievement recognizes the efforts of the Queensland Government Air (QGAir) rescue helicopter exceeding a record breaking 30,000 operational flight hours. The QGAir fleet operates the highest operating time conducting Emergency Medical Services operations in Australia, speaking volumes of the value this service provides to Queenslanders. We recognize the outstanding efforts of the highly trained personnel, including our pilots, aircrew officers, rescue crew officers, engineers, safety specialists and aviation operations specialists. This milestone is testament to all of your ongoing hard work and dedication to assisting Queenslanders during challenging situations.”