From July 2020, the NSWPF Aviation Support Branch will be based at a new 2.5-hectare purpose-built facility at Bankstown Airport. Five PolAir helicopters and three fixed-wing aircraft will be housed at the facility.
The branch focuses on reducing crime through the use of PolAir aircraft. PolAir helps in searches for missing people, vessels or aircraft, and offenders. It is also used for specialised rescue missions, counter-terrorism operations and targeting crime.
Each PolAir aircraft is fitted out with modern technology to prevent, target and disrupt crime. Its specialist equipment includes high definition video camera system, nite sun searchlights (30 million candle power) and advanced inter-grated touch screen digital glass cockpits with Global Positioning Satellite (GPS) navigation systems.
The NSW Government is investing $34.7 million in 2019 to upgrade the PolAir fleet of helicopters.
Minister for Police and Emergency Services David Elliott said it is vital our police work with the best technologies to keep our communities safe.
“This centre will be state of the art and the government will deliver new helicopters to operate out of the facility,” Mr Elliott said.
