Leasing company LCI has delivered two new Leonardo AW139 helicopters to Babcock Australasia, and they are placed in LCI’s SMFL LCI Helicopters joint venture. The helicopters will be based at Horn Island and support Babcock’s emergency medical services (EMS) for the Queensland government as well as EMS and search-and-rescue operations across the Torres Strait.
The AW139s were delivered to Australia in August and are undergoing modifications for the EMS role. Upgrades will include a power-loading stretcher system, winch, and electro-optic infrared camera system.
Torres Strait Islander artist Alick Tipoti designed the dragonfly motif that adorns the AW139s. According to LCI, “Torres Strait Islander Peoples use the word ‘Kuyup’ in reference to the rescue helicopter, which translates to dragonfly. The overall design is known as ‘Kuyupaw Yabu,’ which translates to the flight path of the dragonfly and incorporates elements such as migrating birds, sea spirits, reefs, and lagoons. The Kuyup (dragonfly) is central to the design.”
“We are delighted to be providing two new AW139 helicopters, equipped with latest equipment for EMS and other mission-critical services to our longstanding partner Babcock,” said Nigel Leishman, chief commercial officer of LCI. “The striking Kuyupaw Yabu liveries will boost the visibility of emergency operations across remote communities in the Torres Strait and Northern Peninsula, and we are proud to have co-sponsored the artwork alongside Babcock and Leonardo.”