Australian agribusiness Elders has signed another three-year agreement with the South Australia/Northern Territory's section of aeromedical operator Royal Flying Doctor Service (RFDS SA/NT), guaranteeing its commitment to rural and remote health and wellbeing until 2026. First partnering with RFDS SA/NT in 2016, Elders has committed to a $450,000 contribution over the next three years to support the continual upgrade of Flying Doctor aircraft and life-saving equipment.

“Everyone at Elders is enormously proud to be continuing our support of the RFDS. Many of our people have had their own personal experiences with the Flying Doctor and if not, they certainly know someone who does,” says chief executive Mark Allison. “Elders and the RFDS share common goals and values in the commitment to the health, wellbeing and prosperity of those who live, work and travel in regional and remote communities, and that includes our staff, our clients and their families.”

In recognition of the major sponsorship, the medically-equipped RFDS Pilatus PC12 aircraft VH-FXW, or 'Whiskey' as it is known, will continue to airlift two patients a day throughout South Australia bearing the Elders brand on its fuselage. Over the past year alone, 'Whiskey' has flown more than half a million kilometres and airlifted more than 1,100 patients from 62 different regional and remote communities to specialist medical treatment.

The aircraft also demonstrated its unique capabilities by landing on the Eyre Highway in March 2023, responding to a critical car accident and saving one man's life.

RFDS SA/NT executive general manager, strategy, brand and reputation Charlie Paterson says: “Supporting happier and healthier Australians, regardless of where they live, work or play, is at the heart of everything the Flying Doctor does. We are proud to be associated with a strong, trusted and community-minded organisation and workforce such as Elders, and we know its support will go a long way to assist remote and regional patients when they need it the most.”

VH-FXW is one of 19 aircraft operated by RFDS SA/NT located across its aeromedical bases in Adelaide, Port Augusta, Alice Springs and Darwin.