StarFlight Australia (SFA) has ordered three new Airbus H145 helicopters as part of its commitment to enhance the aeromedical network in Tasmania with modern aircraft. The order follows the decision in August by the Tasmanian Government to award StarFlight a $354 million contract over 12 years to provide helicopter emergency medical services.

The Airbus Helicopters are expected to enter service in late 2027 and bring a versatile platform able to adapt to aeromedical, search and rescue and law enforcement missions. The new fleet is expected to fly about 1,500 hours per year over the next decade.

StarFlight chair Dennis Richardson AC, says the Airbus Helicopters represented an important step forward for aeromedical services in Tasmania: “The investment in the H145 demonstrates our commitment to strengthening aeromedical and emergency service capability in Tasmania for the long term. By partnering with Airbus and drawing on its proven support network in Australia, we are positioning StarFlight to deliver sustained reliability, innovation and value to the Tasmanian Government and the communities we serve.”

StarFlight Australia is a joint venture company between Fox Group Holdings and LifeFlight Australia that leverages LifeFlight's aeromedical expertise and national training capability, and Linfox's logistics and operational support.

It has demonstrated its capability through a successful partnership with Victoria Police where StarFlight provides leased aircraft and engineering expertise to the Victorian Government.

StarFlight Australia will begin operations in Tasmania on 12 January 2026.

The H145 fleet will be based in Hobart, delivering a versatile platform for aeromedical, search and rescue, and aerial law enforcement missions. The aircraft's ability to rapidly reconfigure between mission types was a decisive factor in the Tasmanian Government's selection, offering unmatched flexibility for its evolving operational needs.

“This investment in the H145 helicopters represents a significant upgrade to our emergency air capabilities. The multirole functionality of these aircraft will allow us to respond swiftly to a wide range of emergencies. We look forward to the enhanced service it will bring to our communities,” comments Michelle Baxter, acting chief executive, Ambulance Tasmania.

There are more than 1,750 H145 family helicopters in service around the world, logging over eight million flight hours. In total, there are close to 600 H145 family helicopters deployed for HEMS missions worldwide.