The Australian Government’s investment of $1 billion over 10 years in the Royal Flying Doctor Service (RFDS) has helped to deliver a new aircraft in the fleet servicing people in South Australia and the Northern Territory.
Health Minister Mark Butler will cut the ribbon to launch the plane at the Adelaide RFDS Base at Adelaide Airport today.
The plane, a PC-12 Pro Aircraft, is the fourth to be delivered under a $60 million commitment by the RFDS SA/NT to purchase five new ‘flying intensive care units’, in in the largest fleet upgrade in more than a decade.
The medically equipped aircraft features advances in operational performance, aviation safety and environmental credentials.
It is ready to join the fleet carrying medical teams around rural and remote SA and NT to provide aeromedical and primary health services and airlifting more than 10,500 South Australians and Territorians every year.
The landmark aircraft upgrade program has been made possible through funding from the Albanese Government and the RFDS’s community of corporate partners, donors, volunteer fundraisers and bequestors.
The Commonwealth has funded the RFDS since the 1930s to provide essential aeromedical evacuations and primary health services.
It has committed more than $1 billion over 10 years from 2022-23 to support RFDS services.
Each year, the RFDS supports around 345,000 Australians living in rural and remote areas, ensuring access to essential aeromedical and primary health care.
Quotes attributable to Minister Butler:
“Over nine decades, the RFDS has provided a lifeline for people who live, work and travel in rural, remote and very remote Australia.
“I’m thrilled to officially launch this aircraft today, one of five in a new fleet that will strengthen the aeromedical capability servicing remote communities in South Australia and the Northern Territory.
“Our government is committed to ensuring no-one is left behind in having access to health and medical care. This includes life-saving care and transport to hospital for people in isolated communities during medical emergencies, where there are no alternative services.”
Quotes attributable to RFDS Federation Chief Executive Emma Buchanan:
“RFDS welcome Minister Butler to our Adelaide base today to see first-hand one of the new ‘flying intensive care units’ nationally for our service, the Pilatus PC-12 ‘PRO’.
“The aircraft is the first aeromedical-fit version of the next-generation PC-12 ‘PRO’ in the world. It features advancements in operational performance, aviation safety and environmental credentials.
“The RFDS is receiving 12 new planes over the next two years which represents one of the largest fleet upgrades in our history and takes our total fleet to in excess of 100 aircraft. This is enabled by our 10-year strategic partnership with the Australian Government and the generous funding we receive from donors and corporate partners.
