New plane part of renewed contract for RFDS

Royal Flying Doctor Service Tasmania has locked in a new 10-year, $78.7 million contract with the Tasmanian Government to continue delivering vital fixed-wing aeromedical services across the State.

Under the agreement, RFDS Tasmania will provide fixed-wing aeromedical services in partnership with Ambulance Tasmania’s Critical Care and Retrieval team, ensuring patients can be transferred safely between health facilities across Tasmania and interstate.

Operating from Launceston Airport at Western Junction, where a new much-needed base will be built in coming years, the contract includes provision of a new Beechcraft King Air B350 aircraft.

The new plane with offer greater range, endurance and capacity for clinicians, patients and accompanying family members.

Health, Mental Health and Wellbeing minister Bridget Archer said the long-term contract will provide certainty for the community and health system. 

“This new agreement ensures Tasmanians continue to receive world-class fixed-wing aeromedical retrieval services when they need them most,” Minister Archer said.

“With new aircraft and long-term contracts now in place, our emergency air services are well-positioned to support Tasmanians for years to come.

Royal Flying Doctor Service Tasmania CEO Nicole Henty said the RFDS has been providing aeromedical evacuation services in Tasmania since the late 1950s. 

“We are delighted that our contract to serve the people of Tasmania has been extended by another 10 years,” Ms Henty said. 

“As an organisation, our mission is to provide excellence in aeromedical and primary health care services, and this new contract enables us to continue doing just that.”

The single aircraft that services Tasmania is one of the busiest in the national fleet of 81 providing emergency services in remote areas of the country.

In the 2024/2025 financial year it made 850 flights, racked up 1400 hours of flying time and transferred 1100 patients to receive crucial health care at hospitals in Tasmania and Victoria.