Babcock Australasia's rotary wing contract with the government of South Australia has been extended until October 2022. Babcock will continue to deliver EMS, SAR and airborne law enforcement services for the South Australian State Helicopter Rescue Service (SRHS), on behalf of the region's government. The contract extension includes an additional Bell 412 helicopter to operate from Adelaide airport, replacing an EC130 aircraft and operating alongside two existing Bell 412s.

Babcock Australasia's MD of aviation and critical services Darren Moncrieff says the operator has been supporting the South Australian government's rotary wing emergency air ambulance and SAR requirements for fifteen years. “Based at Adelaide airport, we operate the aircraft for the South Australian Police (SAPOL) and the South Australian Ambulance Service (SAAS),” he says. “We have worked together with these government agencies since 2005, maintaining and operating the helicopter fleet to support safe flying missions, along with safety in the community. Babcock personnel have established a strong working relationship with the user agency personnel and deliver all aspects of operational training for the medical and law enforcement personal. Delivering 1,500 hours and 1,200 missions annually, our operations are year-round.”

Minister for Police and Emergency Services, Vincent Tarzia MP, adds: “It was a privilege to meet the men and women who operate these vital emergency aircrafts for South Australians in need. It is pleasing to know the capability of the crew will be strengthened next year with the arrival of another Bell 412 helicopter.”