Lifeflight Australia Inaugurates State-of-the-Art MRO Facility at Archerfield Airport

Lifeflight Australia, a leading aeromedical service provider based in Brisbane Archerfield, has unveiled a new maintenance, repair, and overhaul (MRO) facility at Archerfield Airport. The AUD26 million (USD17.1 million) facility spans 5,000 square meters, making it the largest at the airport, designed to enhance the operational efficiency and maintenance capabilities for Lifeflight’s diverse fleet.

The state-of-the-art MRO facility boasts four large bays equipped to accommodate both rotary and fixed-wing aircraft, featuring seven-tonne access doors. The infrastructure also includes three heavy-duty cranes capable of lifting more than three tonnes each, modern offices, and amenities to support over 30 staff members. Additionally, the facility is equipped with solar panels and extensive tarmac areas for aircraft maneuvering, landing, take-off, and refueling operations.

Lee Schofield, Chief Operating Officer of Lifeflight, highlighted the critical role of the new facility, stating, “Every Lifeflight aircraft is rotated through here for major inspections and repairs that cannot be undertaken at other bases.” He added, “With our helicopter crews completing over 3,300 missions in FY24, robust maintenance is vital to ensure our fleet is always ready for rapid deployment.”

Lifeflight’s fleet includes seven Leonardo AW139s, one AW109, five Bell Helicopter B142s, one Eurocopter BK117, one Eurocopter 350BA, and four medically-equipped Challenger 604s. These aircraft are strategically based across Queensland and at international locations such as Singapore Changi to provide 24/7 medical emergency services. Two of the AW139 helicopters are dedicated to servicing a consortium of gas companies.

Besides the MRO facility, Lifeflight’s Archerfield base also houses a training academy and a sophisticated communications, coordination, and control centre, underscoring the organization’s commitment to providing top-tier aeromedical services. This expansion not only enhances Lifeflight’s service capacity but also contributes significantly to the local economy and aviation infrastructure.

Sources: AirGuide Business airguide.info, bing.com, ch-aviation.com