StarFlight Australia is set to launch 24/7 aeromedical operations supported by local knowledge and jobs for Tasmanians after months of specialist training.

StarFlight, an Australian-owned company specializing in mission-critical aviation services, was awarded the new helicopter emergency air services contract following a rigorous open tender process.

Operations commence on January 12 and follow months of intensive training by StarFlight crews alongside Tasmanian government partners, Ambulance Tasmania and Tasmania Police.

Minister for Health, Mental Health and Wellbeing, Bridget Archer, said the Government is excited to partner with StarFlight to provide a world-class emergency service for Tasmania.

“Training has been undertaken in recent months in collaboration with Ambulance Tasmania and Tasmania Police, with all services, staff, and equipment ready to go live on January 12. This ensures the continuation of the essential, lifesaving services Tasmanians expect and rely on in their time of need – often delivered in the most challenging of conditions and terrain. While we are about to enter this exciting new chapter for emergency air services in Tasmania, I also want to acknowledge and sincerely thank outgoing provider Rotor-Lift Aviation for its significant work supporting the Tasmanian community over the last two decades.” Minister Archer said.

When StarFlight was awarded the emergency air services contract, it immediately advertised for pilots, air crew officers, and aircraft maintenance engineers. Recruitment has now been completed for these roles, with most positions filled by staff currently employed by Rotor-Lift Aviation.

Minister Archer said importantly, local jobs and skills had been retained in the transition.

“This ensures the retention of local jobs, knowledge, and experience.”

Minister for Police, Fire and Emergency Management, Felix Ellis, said investing in emergency helicopter services for Tasmania is a clear demonstration of the Government’s commitment to making our communities safer.

“Our emergency services respond around the clock to help Tasmanians in their time of need – whether that’s responding to medical emergencies, rescuing missing people or catching offenders,” Minister Ellis said. “Under our new contract with StarFlight, we’re delivering for Tasmania by making our communities safer and supporting our frontline emergency responders.”

StarFlight Chair Dennis Richardson, said he was gratified by the trust placed in StarFlight by the Tasmanian Government.

“StarFlight thanks the Tasmanian Government for trusting us to provide a level of service which ensures excellent aeromedical care alongside our partners Ambulance Tasmania and Tasmania Police,” Mr Richardson said. “The value of this partnership will create long-lasting benefits to the communities we serve and will include a local training academy providing accredited programs, as well as clear career pathways to ensure that we are training the next generation of pilots, engineers, and aircrew officers.”

StarFlight will initially operate from an existing facility located at Cambridge Airport, before moving to a new purpose-built site for the dedicated use of the new helicopters.

StarFlight Tasmania General Manager Kriss Lawler is a 28-year veteran of Tasmania Police where he served across various roles including as a member of the police and ambulance helicopter aircrew.

He said the local recruitment campaign and training assessments had proceeded smoothly with StarFlight perfectly positioned for take-off.

“We’re very pleased that so many Rotor-Lift staff have chosen to join us as we prepare to launch our aeromedical service with state-of-the-art aircraft and highly trained crews across Tasmania,” Mr Lawler said. “It was part of our strategy from the start to retain as many highly experienced Tasmanians as possible because that institutional knowledge is so important. The focus now is on providing first-class care, safety and improved patient outcomes to Tasmanians no matter where they live.”

StarFlight’s activities will also extend beyond aeromedicine to a free emergency trauma training program First Minutes Matter, which equips people with practical skills to manage life-threatening events like car crashes, farming accidents, stroke and snake bites.

StarFlight is a partnership between LifeFlight Australia and Linfox, delivering mission-critical aeromedical and rescue aviation services. It combines LifeFlight’s aviation expertise, clinical governance and training capability with Linfox’s logistics and operational support to provide safe, reliable and rapid care for remote and regional communities.

The launch of the service builds on StarFlight’s existing presence in Tasmania, where since 2020 it has worked alongside partner LifeFlight to support local operators by providing helicopters, training and checking staff, contract staff and engineering services.

It also follows StarFlight’s successful partnership with Victoria Police, where it has a 10-year contract to provide leased aircraft and engineering expertise to the Victorian Government.