Two state-of-the-art jet aircraft will soon join the NSW Ambulance fleet, optimising response times for patients in rural and regional areas.
Minister for Health Ryan Park said for the first time, NSW Ambulance will have 2 new Pilatus PC-24 jet aircraft in its fleet, as part of a $54.3 million boost to increase the capability of Aeromedical Operations.
“These 2 new jets are equipped with the latest technology and medical equipment to better serve our patients, flight nurses, doctors and pilots,” Mr Park said.
“These jets can fly faster and further without the need for refuelling and they will be an invaluable resource for communities in regional, rural and remote NSW.
“Whether responding to a motor vehicle accident or transferring a critically ill patient from a regional hospital to a tertiary health facility, these PC-24 aircraft will be a major boost for the health of regional and remote communities throughout NSW.
“NSW Ambulance is the first state government ambulance service in Australia to specifically design the PC-24 interior and patient fit-out for aeromedical operations.”
NSW Ambulance Commissioner Dr Dominic Morgan said flight nurse training has now commenced for the PC-24 jets.
“Our dedicated team of flight nurses, doctors and pilots already provide high-level clinical care for all patients throughout NSW,” Dr Morgan said.
“That level of care will be enhanced thanks to the increased range, speed and optimised internal medical fit-out of these aircraft.
“These two new jets will complement the existing five Beechcraft King Air 350C planes in the NSW Ambulance fleet.”
The new PC-24 aircraft will be operated and maintained by Pel-Air, as part of a 10-year contract with NSW Ambulance.
Pel-Air Chairman, the Hon. John Sharp AM, said these will be the first jet aircraft to join the NSW Ambulance fleet.
“Pel-Air congratulates NSW Ambulance for making this significant visionary investment in aerial emergency medical response,” Mr Sharp said.
“This aircraft is a game changer for aeromedical services in a state as vast as NSW, and will help NSW Ambulance save lives.”
Aerolite, Switzerland and Total Aerospace Solutions in Sydney have been contracted to complete the medical fit out of the Pilatus PC-24s.
Member for Heffron Minister Ron Hoenig joined Minister Park at Sydney airport to take a first look at the new aircraft.
“NSW Ambulance has an incredible aeromedical history and have been operating one of its bases out of Kingsford Smith for more than 55 years,” Mr Hoenig said.
“I am sure these state of the art new planes will make a welcome addition to operations based out of Mascot, when they enter service next year.”
NSW Ambulance Fixed Wing Operations clinicians transport more than 6000 patients every year.
Both PC-24s aircraft will be ready to take to the skies to treat and transport patients by mid-2024.