Australian aviation provider StarFlight has confirmed an order for three Airbus H145 helicopters to support emergency helicopter operations for Ambulance Tasmania and Tasmania Police. The new aircraft are expected to enter service in late 2027 and will undertake a wide range of missions across the island state.
The order follows StarFlight’s recent appointment to deliver emergency air services in Tasmania, marking a significant step in the State Government’s modernisation of its airborne response capacity. With this deal, StarFlight also becomes a new customer for Airbus, reflecting the company’s expanding role in Australia’s emergency aviation sector.
The H145 fleet will be based in Hobart and will provide a highly adaptable platform capable of supporting aeromedical transport, search and rescue operations, and aerial law enforcement duties. A decisive factor in the Tasmanian Government’s choice was the aircraft’s ability to be reconfigured rapidly between mission types, ensuring maximum flexibility to meet diverse operational requirements.
Michelle Baxter, Acting Chief Executive of Ambulance Tasmania, stated that the H145 helicopters represent a significant upgrade to emergency air capabilities. She noted that their multirole functionality will enable swift responses to a wide variety of emergencies and that the community will benefit from the enhanced services the aircraft can deliver.
Over the next decade, the new fleet is projected to fly approximately 1,500 hours each year, providing critical lifesaving services across Tasmania. Airbus will support the aircraft through its established local network, ensuring the availability of parts and maintenance solutions to maximise performance and reliability.
