Press Release

Issued by StarFlight Australia.

April 11, 2016

Two iconic aviation organisations have joined forces to officially launch Australia's latest aviation company,

StarFlight Australia, which features access to factory new, fully equipped and compliant Russian Kamov Ka-32A11BC helicopters for firefighting and AgustaWestland (Finmecannica Helicopters) range of helicopters for emergency medical service and search and rescue missions in Australasia. 

The joint venture company was established in partnership by CareFlight Group, the Queensland-owned and operated aero-medical care provider, and Kaan Air, one of Europe's leading helicopter utility operators and OEM helicopter distributor for AgustaWestland and Russian Helicopters.

StarFlight chairman, Ferda Yildiz, was in Australia this week to launch the joint venture with StarFlight Deputy Chairman, Hon Rob Borbidge.

“I am excited to be here in Brisbane to officially launch StarFlight Australia. Our company is new but the two organisations of Kaan Air and CareFlight Group bring more than 50 years of combined industry experience to the table,” Mr Yildiz said.

“We can offer Australian, New Zealand and Asia Pacific organisations new solutions for their rotary wing requirements.”

The new company provides government agencies, commercial entities, as well as private organisations and operators throughout Australasia and South East Asia with specialised turn-key solutions for a diverse range of aviation services requiring a rotary wing platform, including emergency response, surveillance, aerial firefighting, utility and logistical transport services.

StarFlight also extends to the European HeliStar brand, which is a joint venture between Kaan Air and its partner Air Methods, the largest helicopter emergency medical service (HEMS), tourist helicopter operator and flight training company in the United States.

StarFlight Australia's chief executive officer, John Skeen, said the company's approach was to partner with current operators rather than compete, with a view to increasing capability of national and state fire authorities and to join with our partners to offer and provide the latest helicopter technology.

“This can be achieved through assisting with improving service as well as access to new and more capable equipment,” Mr Skeen said.

“For example, StarFlight can access the latest EASA and CASA approved Kamov Ka-32A11BC helicopter, fully equipped and compliant for firefighting in Australia and South East Asia regions.