Helicopter operator CHC Australia will take delivery of three new Leonardo AW139s next year for emergency and rescue operations in Western Australia.
The new aircraft will be based at Jandakot and Bunbury.
Leonardo will mission-modify the aircraft at their factory in Italy to fit a wide range of tailored equipment including a four-axis Digital Automatic Flight Control System (DAFCS) autopilot enhanced with hover mode, TCAS II, searchlight, camera, wire cutter and rescue hoist.
A special HEMS interior and the advanced mission console will be installed in Australia.
"This latest contract marks a further outstanding success for the best-selling AW139 in Australia, being already the leading model for Emergency Medical Service (EMS) nationwide," Leonardo Helicopters said yesterday.
"More than 130 civil, public utility and military helicopters of various models have been sold by Leonardo in the country to date, supported by unique localised support and MRO services.
"The AW139 has been chosen by several operators in Australia for a range of roles covering HEMS/SAR, law enforcement, offshore transport and government roles with a fleet of over 60 units today in service."
CHC Australia already operates ten AW139s and two AW189s in Australia.
The three new AW139s will be delivered in early 2023 and start operations later in the year.