LCI delivers advanced AW139 helicopters to Babcock for enhanced EMS and SAR services, featuring striking Kuyupaw Yabu liveries.
LCI, a leading aviation company, has delivered two new Leonardo AW139 helicopters to Babcock Australasia for emergency medical services (EMS) operations in the Torres Strait and Northern Peninsula of Queensland, Australia. The helicopters arrived in Australia in late August to undergo modifications for their EMS role. These aircraft have been placed in LCI’s joint venture with SMFL, known as SMFL LCI Helicopters Limited. Based at Horn Island, the helicopters will support Babcock’s operations for the Queensland Government, providing 24/7 EMS and search and rescue (SAR) services throughout the Torres Strait.
Nigel Leishman, Chief Commercial Officer of LCI, said, “We are delighted to be providing two new AW139 helicopters, equipped with latest equipment for EMS and other mission critical services, to our longstanding partner Babcock. These state-of-the-art helicopters will improve the speed, range and capability of its operations in Queensland. The striking Kuyupaw Yabu liveries will boost the visibility of emergency operations across remote communities in the Torres Strait and Northern Peninsula, and we are proud to have co-sponsored the artwork alongside Babcock and Leonardo.”
The new aircraft provide enhanced flexibility, high performance, and reliability, offering greater capabilities than the previous generation they are replacing. These helicopters travel further and faster, delivering improved patient care to communities in the Torres Strait and Northern Cape York Peninsula. Additionally, the AW139s are equipped with a power-loading stretcher system, a winch, and an Electro-Optic/Infra-Red Camera, which enhances their effectiveness in search and rescue (SAR), emergency medical services (EMS), and other lifesaving operations within the remote island community.
Duncan Milne, Managing Director Aviation & Critical Services for Babcock Australasia, said, “LCI has helped us to deliver EMS and mission critical solutions of exceptional quality across the globe for many years. These latest helicopters are a significant step forward for both LCI and Babcock in our support of highly effective emergency services in the harder to reach parts of Australia.”
LCI, a longstanding leasing partner of the Babcock group, now provides 18 helicopters for various operational roles worldwide. Each aircraft supports mission-critical operations and aligns with the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), including Good Health and Well-Being (SDG 3), Industry, Innovation, and Infrastructure (SDG 9), and Sustainable Cities and Communities (SDG 11). Notably, over half of LCI’s fleet is deployed for emergency medical services (EMS). Additionally, LCI is a signatory of Aircraft Leasing Ireland’s (ALI) Sustainability Charter. The company is committed to achieving ESG-related goals and has outlined 10 priority sustainability principles, including a pledge to reach net zero by 2050.
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Q. – What model of the helicopter was delivered?
A. – Leonardo AW139.
Q. – What is the purpose of the delivered helicopters?
A. -Emergency medical services (EMS).
