New RFDS WA Aircraft Gifted by Gina Rinehart

By Andrew Curran.

Australia’s richest person has bankrolled the acquisition of a Pilatus PC-12 PRO for the Royal Flying Doctor Service in Western Australia (RFDS WA).

Gina Rinehart, who heads Hancock Prospecting and is worth more than AUD39 billion (USD27.6 billion) according to the latest AFR Rich List, funded the aircraft, VH-AW2 (MSN 3002). The PC-12 PRO has a list price of approximately AUD9.6 million (USD6.8 million), depending on fit-out and configuration.

The Royal Flying Doctor Service says the aircraft marks a significant milestone in its fleet modernisation programme, which will see eight retiring PC-12 aircraft progressively replaced by next-generation PC-12 PROs by 2030.

“This aircraft gives us greater range, reliability and capability, which is critical when operating across WA’s vast and often challenging environment,” said RFDS WA CEO Judith Barker.

“When someone is critically unwell or injured, every minute matters. This aircraft helps ensure help can arrive sooner, and patients can be transported faster to the care they need.”

Pilatus aircraft well suited to RFDS ops

The Royal Flying Doctor Service in Western Australia, one of seven distinct legal entities that make up Australia’s Royal Flying Doctor Service, operated more than 17,600 flights in 2025, transferring over 10,758 patients, including many emergency retrievals. Its area of operation covers more than 2.5 million square kilometres.

The Pilatus aircraft are well suited to Western Australia’s often rugged conditions. They can take off and land on gravel airstrips, roads and remote runways, enabling medical teams to reach communities where access to healthcare can be limited.

Recent analysis by Deloitte Access Economics suggests that RFDS WA will deliver AUD4.1 billion (USD2.9 billion) in social value to Western Australians over the next 30 years, providing a two-to-one return on every dollar invested in operating the service. Approximately half that value will be generated by the aeromedical service.

Massive value for remote residents

People in remote Western Australia, where reliance on RFDS services is greatest, were found to derive more than AUD17,000 (USD12,000) in value per household. The average value per household across the state was AUD3,450 (USD2,440). The Royal Flying Doctor aeromedical service also provides AUD130 million (USD92 million) in value to workers in WA’s resources sector and AUD570 million in value to Aboriginal people.

“In a state as vast as Western Australia, where distance and time can mean the difference between life and death, it is great to welcome a faster aircraft, the first of the new PC-12 PRO aircraft to Western Australia,” said Rinehart.

“The work of the Flying Doctor undoubtedly saves countless lives each year across our rural communities and vast state. For the many families in remote areas, this service is essential,” she added.

The Pilatus PC-12 PRO will be based at Perth’s Jandakot Airport (JAD).

Photo: RFDS WA

Contact: andrew@aerosouthpacific.com