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Media Release 26 February 2018
Flying Doctors expand aviation fleet
The Royal Flying Doctor Service South Eastern Section (RFDS SE) has confirmed the purchase of two new Beechcraft Kingair B350 Cargo Heavy Weight aircraft, which will be based in Broken Hill. The new turboprops will replace retiring King Air B200 aircraft as the RFDS SE modernises its patient transfer and air ambulance fleet.
The new aircraft will bring the RFDS SE’s fleet of Beechcraft Kingairs to 20.
“They will be the most advanced aeromedical aircraft in Australia and reflect the changing needs of the RFDS SE,” said David Charlton, General Manager Aviation and Strategic Development at the RFDS SE.
“These aircraft have been modified to a multi-‐role configuration, which means we can change from all seating mode, more appropriate for patient transfer or transporting clinic staff, to air ambulance mode with a full “mini-‐intensive care” facilities in less than an hour.”
“This gives us the flexibility to deploy another emergency aircraft, if needed, or adapt better to rapidly-‐evolving situations.”
The B350CHW has more capacity than the B200 and B350s already in service. It can carry up to nine primary healthcare clinicians, whereas a B200 carries up to seven, or two critical care patients and medical crew. They have also been kitted out with the latest satellite datalink so clinicians can communicate and pass on critical care information mid-‐air.
Other modifications include an added cargo door for easier patient loading and offloading as well as heavyweight landing gear. This gives it a greater maximum take-‐off weight for increased payload capabilities and more strength for landing on rugged Outback airstrips.
“We expect the first one to arrive mid-‐year and the second in early 2019, which gives us the option to retire a couple of B200s nearing the end of their operational lives,” said David.
“Our new acquisitions will enable us to deliver more medical services more safely and better support RFDS SE’s ongoing strategy to reduce the gap in health and wellness between those living in remote, rural and regional areas and those in the cities.”
-‐ ENDS -‐
For more information or photographs, contact:
Nick Bleszynski, Media Consultant, RFDS (South Eastern Section) on 0403 931 291 or nick.bleszynski@rfdsse.org.au
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Fay Knight, Marketing Communications Co-‐ordinator, RFDS (South Eastern Section) on 0415 825 357 or fay.knight@rfdsse.org.au
ABOUT THE ROYAL FLYING DOCTOR SERVICE
The not-‐for-‐profit Royal Flying Doctor Service has been taking the finest care to the furthest corners of Australia since 1928. The service provides 24 hour emergency cover to 90% of the Australian continent, via a modern fleet of specially equipped aircraft. In the past year, the South Eastern Section facilitated almost 4,500 clinics, took over 5,500 telehealth calls, had over 49,100 patient contacts and transported almost 8,200 patients.
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