CHC Helicopter has signed a new 12 year contract with the Department Fire and Emergency Services (DFES) in Western Australia to provide 24/7 emergency rescue helicopter operations.

Regional director, Asia Pacific Vince D’Rozario says: “We are honoured to be awarded this contract. This award reinforces the strong partnership with DFES, established over the past 19 years. Our specialist teams have worked tirelessly, diligently and with great pride to ensure the highest standards of service and the delivery of a safe and reliable operation.

“The new contract includes the provision of three new Leonardo AW139s, built to DFES specification. CHC will transition personnel and aircraft from our Bell 412s to the AW139s, as all aircraft arrive by the end of 2023.”

CHC president and chief executive David Balevic adds: “CHC has a longstanding relationship with DFES, serving the people of WA for almost two decades. Its decision to continue working with CHC is testament to the hard work, dedication and outstanding safety standards.”

Milestone Aviation arranged the finance and lease of the three AW139s, and head of emerging markets Michael York says: "Milestone’s experienced team worked closely with CHC to bring this transaction to a successful close, and we are proud to be part of the solution to deliver modern emergency rescue helicopters for the people of Western Australia.”

The new AW139s will have a 75 per cent increase in range over the current helicopters and be able to cruise 16 per cent faster to reach more Western Australians than ever before. CHC's aircraft will feature a wide range of tailored equipment including four-axis DAFCS (digital automatic flight control system) autopilot enhanced with hover mode, TCAS II (traffic collision avoidance system), searchlight, camera, wire cutter and rescue hoist. They will also have the ability to live stream footage of unfolding emergencies to DFES commanders on the ground.

Built in Italy, their customised interiors will be constructed and installed in Perth, creating local jobs and advancing the WA aerospace industry.

With more than 40 years of operation in Australia, CHC provides an extensive helicopter transportation service to the oil and gas industry, as well as search and rescue, emergency medical services and maintenance, repair and overhaul services, to help its customers to go further, do more and come home safely.