StarFlight Australia (SFA) has welcomed the opportunity to strengthen Tasmania’s aeromedical network following the Tasmanian Government’s decision to award the company a $354 million, 12-year contract to provide helicopter emergency medical services.
StarFlight Chair Dennis Richardson, said the company was honoured to have been entrusted with such a critical responsibility.
“We are grateful to the Tasmanian Government for placing its trust in StarFlight to deliver a service that places an increased focus on patient outcomes,” Mr Richardson said.
“We take this responsibility seriously. Our commitment is to ensure Tasmanians — no matter where they live, or when they need help — have timely access to world-class aeromedical care.”
The new service will ensure faster response times, upgraded aircraft capability, and nationally consistent clinical governance resulting in better outcomes for patients.
Following successful operations in Queensland and Victoria, StarFlight Australia, a joint venture company between Fox Group Holdings and LifeFlight Australia, will commence operations on January 12, 2026.
StarFlight will build on its existing presence in Tasmania, where it currently works alongside partner LifeFlight to support local operators. The new contract will expand that role, embedding modern aircraft, highly-trained aeromedical crews, and advanced clinical systems across the state.
Mr Richardson said the benefits extended well beyond the immediate health impacts.
“The service will provide opportunities for Tasmanians through local recruitment, apprenticeship schemes and clear career opportunities. With accredited training programs and fast-track pathways, we aim to build a sustainable, highly-skilled workforce that supports the state well into the future,” he said.
Backed by LifeFlight’s aeromedical clinical expertise and national training capability, and Linfox’s logistics and operational support, StarFlight Australia will strengthen aeromedical emergency services for regional and remote Tasmanians.
It builds on StarFlight Australia’s successful partnership with Victoria Police, where it has a 10-year contract to provide leased aircraft and engineering expertise to the Victorian Government.
StarFlight Australia Director, Hon. Jim Elder, said the opportunity to provide 24/7 care for Tasmanians was a ‘privilege’.
“It’s an exciting venture for StarFlight and is aligned with the organisation’s capability in aeromedicine, search and rescue and aviation,” he said.
“StarFlight will provide a locally based, mission-ready rescue service focused on continuity of care, safety and improved patient outcomes for Tasmania’s most isolated communities.
“We are also committed to local job creation with engineers and apprentices, accredited training, and delivery of community programs such as our free emergency trauma training First Minutes Matter.
“Our model has been successfully implemented in other parts of Australia, including Queensland where LifeFlight helped a record 8,497 people in the past year and flew 3,732 missions over the year.”
He said those missions included treating patients on scene after serious car crashes, stabilising and treating patients mid-air, airlifting hikers stranded on mountains and remote regions and airlifting people needing urgent medical attention in major hospitals.
About StarFlight Australia:
StarFlight Australia is a partnership between LifeFlight Australia and Linfox, delivering mission-critical aeromedical and rescue aviation services. StarFlight combines LifeFlight’s aviation expertise, clinical governance and training capability with Linfox’s logistics and operational support to provide safe, reliable and rapid care for remote and regional communities. Established in 2017 to tender for the 10-year Victoria Police (VicPol) contract, StarFlight provides aircraft and support services for three AW139 helicopters, maintenance workforce and engineering support, provision of pilot and Tactical Flight Officer (TFO) training, fuel truck and management services.
About LifeFlight Australia:
LifeFlight’s fleet operates from eight Queensland bases and is available 24 hours a day, 365 days a year, directly servicing an area of 1.85 million square kilometres. It supports search and rescue efforts across 53 million square kilometres of land and sea for the Australian Maritime Safety Authority. LifeFlight recently welcomed three new AW139 helicopters to its fleet. By 2027 the 21-strong fleet will be among the largest in the country. In FY25 the organisation helped 8,497 people – with a patient helped every 62 minutes. More than 90,000 people have been airlifted since LifeFlight first took to the skies in in 1979.
About Linfox:
Linfox is Asia-Pacific’s largest privately owned logistics company, with more than 24,000 employees across 12 countries. Linfox brings deep expertise in aviation support, base operations and logistics to the StarFlight partnership.
