In a significant development, the Tasmanian government has announced that Starflight will be taking over the rescue helicopter service in the state, replacing Rotor Lift which has been providing the service for over 20 years. The decision was made after a thorough evaluation process, with Starflight emerging as the preferred bidder. The new contract is set to commence in the coming months and will see Starflight operate the rescue helicopter service for a period of five years. The Tasmanian government has stated that the decision to award the contract to Starflight was based on a range of factors, including the company’s experience and expertise in providing rescue helicopter services. Rotor Lift has expressed disappointment at the decision, citing its long history of providing the service in Tasmania. The company has also raised concerns about the potential impact on jobs and the local community. Despite this, the Tasmanian government has assured that the transition to the new provider will be seamless and that the level of service will not be compromised. Starflight has a strong track record of providing rescue helicopter services in other parts of Australia and has committed to maintaining the high standards of service that Tasmanians expect. The company will be investing in new equipment and technology to support the service, including state-of-the-art helicopters and medical equipment. The rescue helicopter service is a critical component of Tasmania’s emergency response system, providing vital support to people in need across the state. The service is often called upon to respond to a range of emergencies, including search and rescue operations, medical evacuations, and disaster response. The Tasmanian government has stated that it is committed to ensuring that the service continues to meet the needs of the community, and that the new contract with Starflight will help to achieve this goal. The decision to award the contract to Starflight has been welcomed by many in the community, who have expressed confidence in the company’s ability to provide a high-quality service. However, others have raised concerns about the potential impact on Rotor Lift and its employees, who have been providing the service for many years. The Tasmanian government has assured that it will work closely with Rotor Lift to support its employees during the transition period. The new contract with Starflight is expected to bring a range of benefits to the community, including improved response times and enhanced medical capabilities. Starflight has also committed to working closely with other emergency services agencies in Tasmania to ensure a coordinated response to emergencies. The company will be establishing a new base in Tasmania to support the service, which will create new jobs and stimulate local economic activity. The Tasmanian government has stated that it is pleased to be supporting the growth of the local economy through the awarding of the contract to Starflight. In conclusion, the decision to award the contract for the Tasmanian rescue helicopter service to Starflight marks a significant development in the state’s emergency response system. While there may be some challenges associated with the transition, the Tasmanian government is confident that the new contract will bring a range of benefits to the community and help to ensure that the service continues to meet the needs of Tasmanians. The decision is also expected to have a positive impact on the local economy, with Starflight committing to invest in new equipment and technology and establish a new base in the state. As the new contract commences, the community can be assured that the rescue helicopter service will continue to be provided by a highly experienced and skilled operator, with a strong commitment to delivering a high-quality service.