Australia’s Royal Flying Doctor Service (RFDS) has ordered four Beechcraft King Air 360CHW turboprop aircraft, with an option for an additional two aircraft.
The new aircraft will add to the RFDS’s large fleet of Beechcraft King Air aircraft. Deliveries are expected to begin in 2021 and continue through 2023.
“By providing a wide range of essential healthcare services to regional, rural and remote communities, the mission scope of the RFDS requires 24-hours-a-day, seven-days-a-week operational availability for the vast territory of the state of Queensland,” said Bob Gibbs, vice president, Special Missions Sales.
The six Beechcraft King Air turboprops, configured for multi-stretcher air ambulance operations, will be equipped with a factory installed aft cargo door, heavy weight operations package and Pratt and Whitney PT6A-67A engines for additional performance capabilities.
The RFDS currently operates 20 aircraft across eight operational bases located at Brisbane, Cairns, Townsville, Rockhampton, Bundaberg, Charleville, Mount Isa and Roma.
RFDS (Queensland Section) Chief Executive Officer Meredith Staib said it was vital that the Service, one of the world’s largest and most comprehensive aeromedical organisations, remained ‘future fit’ as it neared 100 years of operation.
“The Beechcraft King Air 360 aircraft forms a key part of our 10-year aircraft replacement strategy, which will ensure we can continue to deliver world-class aeromedical retrievals and healthcare to regional, rural and remote Australians,” she said.
“Our highly trained and skilled aviation staff are looking forward to experiencing the technology advances offered with the B360, including improved performance and efficiency, ultimately improving runway access. I am sure our medical crews and patients will also enjoy the enhanced flying experience.”