StarFlight, an Australian-owned aviation company, has been selected to provide helicopter emergency air services in Tasmania.
The 12-year contract follows a competitive open tender process and includes aeromedical retrieval, search and rescue, and aerial law enforcement capabilities. The new service will operate from a purpose-built base at Cambridge Aerodrome.
The government has committed to retaining local jobs and skills, with current staff transferring to StarFlight.
Media release – Bridget Archer, Minister for Health, Mental Health and Wellbeing; Felix Ellis, Minister for Police, Fire and Emergency Management, 26 August 2025
StarFlight announced as new aeromedical operator
Following a rigorous and competitive open tender process, Australian aviation provider StarFlight has been selected to provide vital helicopter emergency air services in Tasmania from 12 January 2026.
StarFlight is an Australian owned aviation services company specialising in providing mission-critical aviation services, including aeromedical retrieval and law enforcement.
The new agreement will ensure the ongoing provision of emergency rotary-wing (helicopter) services, including aeromedical retrieval, search and rescue, and aerial law enforcement capabilities across Tasmania.
Minister for Health, Mental Health and Wellbeing, Bridget Archer, welcomed the new agreement with StarFlight, which is set to run for 12 years.
“We are pleased to partner with StarFlight to deliver this vital service for Tasmania, which provides critical and often lifesaving services, often in the most challenging of conditions and terrain,’’ Archer said.
“The new agreement ensures the continuation of the essential services Tasmanians expect and rely on, along with access to Starflight’s start-of-the-art technologies and extensive support networks.
“Importantly, the competitive open tender process has ensured we are providing the best aeromedical service, at competitive cost.”
The open tender process involved detailed collaboration between all relevant agencies and stakeholders, including the Department of Health, Ambulance Tasmania, and Tasmania Police.
A detailed set of criteria were evaluated as part of the process, with all tenders subject to intensive scrutiny.
The successful application was selected as it clearly demonstrated that it provided the best value for money for Tasmania over the lifetime of the contract.
Archer said the Government was committed to retaining local jobs and skills as part of the new contract.
“The successful operation of an aeromedical service in our state involves so much more than the provision of helicopters and search and rescue equipment – it relies on specialist skills and local knowledge that really makes the difference,’’ Archer said.
“That’s why StarFlight will be working to secure employees currently working under the present contract, as part of an ongoing recruitment process which will open over the coming weeks.”
Current Tasmania Police and Ambulance Tasmania staff working under the current contract will transfer to the StarFlight services in January 2026.
The Hon. Jim Elder, Group Director, StarFlight said:
“We are grateful to the Tasmanian Government for placing its trust in StarFlight.”
“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 the high quality aeromedical care. We bring national backing to local coordination.
“StarFlight’s commitment extends beyond aeromedical services to the provision of opportunities for Tasmanians through local recruitment, apprenticeship schemes and clear career pathways. 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.
“StarFlight also plans to work closely with local communities on engagement, training and local job creation initiatives to ensure the service reflects Tasmanian needs and priorities.”
Minister for Police, Fire and Emergency Management, Felix Ellis, said the new aeromedical service would operate from a new purpose-built base located at Cambridge Aerodrome.
“In the short term the new service will have immediate use of an existing facility located at Cambridge Aerodrome, before moving to a new purpose-built facility for the dedicated use of the new rotary-wing aircraft at the Aerodrome,’’ Ellis said.
Archer acknowledged Rotor-Lift Aviation for its significant contribution over many years of partnership in providing emergency rotary-wing services in Tasmania.
“We have had a positive and strong working relationship with Rotor-Lift Aviation for almost 25 years and I recognise and thank them for over two decades of service to Tasmania,’’ Archer said.
“A current contract remains in place with Rotor-Lift Aviation for the continued provision of this service to January 2026, and we will continue to work closely with them in the lead-up to the commencement of the new agreement.”
Media release – Cecily Rosol MP, Greens Health Spokesperson, 26 August 2025
Greens Disappointed With Rotor-Lift Snub
The Greens are disappointed with the Liberal Government’s decision to award the contract for helicopter emergency air services to mainland operator StarFlight, over long-standing Tasmanian operator Rotor-Lift Aviation.
For 25 years, Rotor-Lift Aviation have flown search and rescue missions and provided aeromedical transport for Tasmanians. There is no doubt the local expertise and experience of Rotor-Lift has saved many lives over thousands of flights.
Tasmanians will be shocked to hear the Liberal Government have chosen a large mainland operator over this long-standing local company who are experts in the Tasmanian terrain and conditions. The benefits of this locally operated business to the community and economy will surely be missed.
Like most Tasmanians, the Greens are thankful to Rotor-Lift for the essential service they have provided for decades.
Tasmanian Times (TT) is a community-based news and current affairs service covering the island state of Tasmania. It exists to provide a diverse view of Tasmanian issues. TT creates and supports independent media content utilising the best of modern technologies and tried-and-true practices of public-interest journalism.
Support us in expanding our coverage and developing new content by and for Tasmanians.
New initiatives on the way include:
- a weekly podcast covering current affairs
- a revamped website
- a monthly cartoon competition
- a user-friendly app for both Android and Apple devices
- a weekly roundup of key stories
