The H145 fleet is set to enter into service in late 2027, with the aircraft performing missions across Tasmania.
The order follows StarFlight’s recent selection to deliver emergency air services in the State, reinforcing the Tasmanian Government’s commitment to modernising its airborne response capabilities. With this order, StarFlight becomes a new Airbus customer.
The H145 fleet will be based in Hobart, delivering a versatile platform for aeromedical, search and rescue, and aerial law enforcement missions. The aircraft’s ability to rapidly reconfigure between mission types was a decisive factor in the Tasmanian Government’s selection, offering unmatched flexibility for its evolving operational needs.
Michelle Baxter, Acting Chief Executive, Ambulance Tasmania, said “This investment in the H145 helicopters represents a significant upgrade to our emergency air capabilities. The multirole functionality of these aircraft will allow us to respond swiftly to a wide range of emergencies. We look forward to the enhanced service it will bring to our communities”
The new fleet is expected to fly approximately 1,500 hours annually over the next decade, providing essential lifesaving services across Tasmania. Airbus will provide parts support through its established local ecosystem, ensuring optimal performance and uptime.
Dennis Richardson AC, StarFlight Chairman, said “The investment in the H145 demonstrates our commitment to strengthening aeromedical and emergency service capability in Tasmania for the long term. By partnering with Airbus and drawing on its proven support network in Australia, we are positioning StarFlight to deliver sustained reliability, innovation, and value to the Tasmanian Government and the communities we serve.”
Christian Venzal, Managing Director of Airbus Helicopters in Australia and New Zealand, said “We’re proud to welcome StarFlight to the Airbus family. The H145 is built for versatility. Its ability to seamlessly switch between roles makes it an ideal asset for Tasmania’s emergency response needs. This aircraft order came at a time as we are expanding with a new parts distribution platform in Western Australia, enhancing our existing footprint in Queensland. We look forward to supporting StarFlight as they start this vital service.”
The H145, renowned for its reliability, versatility, and advanced technology, is a market leader in HEMS missions. Powered by two Safran Arriel 2E engines and equipped with a spacious cabin, cutting-edge Helionix avionics suite, the H145 is perfectly suited for the challenging terrains and time-critical missions that define Australasia’s EMS landscape. The helicopter’s CO2 emissions are also the lowest amongst its competitors.
The H145 helicopter incorporates the latest technologies including the advanced cockpit design with the most modern human machine interface (HMI), state-of-the-art Helionix avionics suite and a Fenestron anti-torque device as the tail rotor. Airbus’ Helionix avionics – connected to the wACS, provides undisputed superiority for in-flight envelope protection, pilot assistance and time savings for data transfer which, along with situational awareness, provides unprecedented levels of flight safety. Meeting the latest international avionics standards, Helionix integrates an innovative alerting and self-monitoring system.
There are more than 1,750 H145 family helicopters in service around the world, logging over eight million flight hours. In total, there are close to 600 H145 family helicopters deployed for HEMS missions worldwide.
StarFlight boosts Tasmania aeromedical network with Airbus order
StarFlight - StarFlight Australia (SFA) has ordered three new Airbus H145 helicopters as part of its commitment to enhance the aeromedical network in Tasmania with modern aircraft.
The order followed the decision in August by the Tasmanian Government to award StarFlight a $354 million contract over 12 years to provide helicopter emergency medical services. The Airbus helicopters are expected to enter service in late 2027 and bring a versatile platform able to adapt to aeromedical, search and rescue and law enforcement missions.
The new fleet is expected to fly about 1,500 hours per year over the next decade.
StarFlight Chair Dennis Richardson AC, said the Airbus helicopters represented an important step forward for aeromedical services in Tasmania.
“The investment in the H145 demonstrates our commitment to strengthening aeromedical and emergency service capability in Tasmania for the long term. By partnering with Airbus and drawing on its proven support network in Australia, we are positioning StarFlight to deliver sustained reliability, innovation, and value to the Tasmanian Government and the communities we serve.”
StarFlight Australia is a joint venture company between Fox Group Holdings and LifeFlight Australia that leverages LifeFlight’s aeromedical expertise and national training capability, and Linfox’s logistics and operational support. It has demonstrated its capability through a successful partnership with Victoria Police where StarFlight provides leased aircraft and engineering expertise to the Victorian Government.
StarFlight Australia will begin operations in Tasmania on January 12, 2026.
See also |
H145D3 in
StarFlight Australia 
Air Medical Ambulance Services Tasmania Local Governments Government of Australia Airbus Group Australia Pacific StarFlight Set to Launch Air Ambulance in Tasmania
