Australian aeromedical organisation LifeFlight and Leonardo Helicopters have entered into a commercial partnership that will develop state-of-the-art training and engineering facilities in Queensland. The agreement, set to take shape over the next three years, sees LifeFlight become an authorised service centre in Australia to deliver a range of maintenance and repair services for Leonardo Helicopters from its 5,000 sqm LifeFlight Clive Berghofer Maintenance Centre at Archerfield airport in Brisbane.

The initiative will inject significant investment of more than $250 million into rotary wing aeromedical services and infrastructure in Australia.

The maintenance centre will become part of Leonardo's 100-strong global network focusing on aircraft availability, logistics support and availability of spares.

In addition, the LifeFlight Training Academy will become an accredited Leonardo authorised training centre, further supporting pilots and crews to practise complex procedures in a controlled environment. The academy delivers training to 1,500 aviation and medical professionals annually, meeting the highest industry standards. LifeFlight and Leonardo will introduce advanced high-fidelity, immersive simulation devices for all training requirements in a wide range of operational scenarios that pilots and crew might face while on rescue missions.

The technological expertise of Leonardo, combined with engineering and training facility investment will be a 'game changer' for HEMS, SAR, natural disaster response, defence, law enforcement and surveillance in the region.

LifeFlight has a strong relationship with Leonardo, which dates back to 2015 when LifeFlight ordered its first AW139 helicopter. The partnership heralds a new era for LifeFlight and builds on the 10-year, $1.2 billion service agreement with the Queensland Government for emergency helicopter services.

LifeFlight chief executive officer Ashley van de Velde, said the not-for-profit organisation, which first took to the skies in 1979, is well positioned to meet unprecedented demand for its services. “What started as a single rescue helicopter in Queensland now has 20 aircraft across Australia and employs around 500 staff, all committed to helping others,” he says. “The partnership with Leonardo is another step in LifeFlight's growth in response to increased demand for aeromedical rescue services and a tremendous coup for the Australian aeromedical sector in Australia. It further enhances LifeFlight's capacity to serve Australian clients and communities, particularly in regional and remote areas. With an expanded fleet and enhanced capabilities and support, LifeFlight can reach more people in need of our specialist aeromedical retrieval, surveillance, law enforcement and search and rescue services across Australia.”

Leonardo Helicopters managing director Gian Piero Cutillo adds that it's the first time the company has had a committed presence in Queensland. “We are excited to further develop a decade-long relationship with LifeFlight as one of Australia's largest aeromedical operators that goes beyond building and providing helicopters,” he remarks.

“LifeFlight is ideally placed to support Leonardo's growth plans for the Asia Pacific region. Beyond aircraft manufacturing, Leonardo invests in digital technologies to enhance EMS operations. Leonardo brings the technology to support the incredible life-saving capabilities of LifeFlight, which continue to grow. The partnership reflects our commitment to providing comprehensive support and maintenance services to its global customer base.”

The partnership will also strengthen LifeFlight's commercial activities, including its StarFlight joint venture with LinFox Group. The operation provides three AW139 helicopters to Victoria Police.

LifeFlight operates across 1.85 million square kilometres in Queensland and supports search and rescue efforts across 53 million square kilometres of land and sea for the Australian Maritime Safety Authority. It recently ordered four additional Leonardo AW139 helicopters announced at Verticon 2025, the world's largest vertical aviation trade show in the United States. By 2027, LifeFlight and StarFlight's 20-strong AW139 fleet will be among the largest in the country.

The AW139 is the most advanced aeromedical rescue helicopter in the world, with a maximum cruise speed of 305 kph and a range of 895 km. The aircraft is perfectly suited to search and rescue missions in Australia, whether out to sea, in the outback or winching in mountainous terrain.