CHC Helicopter Upgrades RAC Rescue helicopters with Custom Emergency-Ready AW139s

CHC Helicopter is proud to announce the introduction of three new upgraded AW139 helicopters, known as RAC Rescue, into service in Western Australia. Specially modified to deliver all-hazards rescue and advanced aeromedical care, these aircraft represent a significant enhancement to the state’s emergency response capability.

Operated by CHC, the RAC Rescue helicopters are funded by the State Government, managed by the Department of Fire and Emergency Services (DFES), and sponsored by RAC. This AUS $26.7 million investment by the WA Government strengthens the state’s emergency response capability, delivering faster response times, greater range, and enhanced onboard care for people in need across the state.

Capable of reaching speeds of 309km/h and flying longer distances without refueling, the new aircraft can respond to more all-hazards incidents and deliver critical care within the vital ‘golden hour’. Each helicopter is equipped with advanced rescue aeromedical capabilities, fitted out in Australia by CHC’s highly skilled engineers, enabling life-saving treatment to begin in the air.

The operational transition has already taken place, drawing on CHC’s decades of global AW139 operational experience. The aircraft replace the Bell 412EP’s that have served WA since 2003, during which time the RAC Rescue helicopters have flown over 10,500 missions and more than 2.25 million km.

Cameron Dixon, Head of CHC Australia, said, “These new AW139 helicopters are already changing lives. They give our crews the speed, range and capability to reach people faster and deliver life‑saving care exactly where and when it’s needed. Whether in a remote community or over open water, we’re now better equipped than ever to bring people safely back home to their loved ones.

“We are proud to bring the most advanced emergency response aircraft in the country into service for Western Australia, in partnership with the WA Government and DFES. Our partnership spans more than two decades, and is built on trust, shared expertise, and an unwavering commitment to protecting lives.”

The RAC Rescue helicopters operate from Jandakot and Bunbury, crewed 24/7, year-round. A third backup aircraft provides redundancy and mobilization capability to support emergency services during regional incidents with forward deployments, other emergency hazards, or mass casualty incidents.

CHC Helicopter delivers emergency response services worldwide – including Search and Rescue and Emergency Medical Care – with operations spanning multiple countries, including Australia, Norway, and Ireland.