Delivery puts helicopter back in service amid a cyclone
When QGAir’s AW139 was grounded, Sterling’s expert logistics team overcame weather challenges to deliver crucial rotor blades with minimal delay.
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Challenge
Queensland Government Air (QGAir) faced a critical situation when one of their Public Safety Business Agency Rescue AW139 helicopters was unexpectedly grounded in Far North Queensland, Australia.
The aircraft manufacturer’s original equipment manager (OEM) urgently required the transport of five main rotor blades from Milan, Italy, to the remote location of Townsville, where the helicopter was awaiting repairs.
At the same time, the region was bracing for the arrival of a tropical cyclone predicted to bring heavy rainfall, strong winds, and disruption. The urgency was heightened for QGAir to have all emergency and rescue crews operational and on standby for potential emergencies.
The delivery of these critical AOG parts was required to restore flight capability and support public safety operations. With these high-stakes challenges, the logistics effort had to be seamless to ensure the helicopter could return to active service as quickly as possible.
Solution
The operation began with the urgent booking of an AOG shipment, sending the helicopter rotor blades from Milan to Hong Kong and onward to Sydney.
Upon arrival in Sydney, Sterling's AeroRide™ team intercepted the shipment, loading the blades onto a dedicated straight truck designed for delicate aviation cargo. From there, the shipment made a 26-hour journey covering 2,194 kilometres north to Townsville.
As news of deteriorating road conditions and unexpected highway closures filtered in, the team adapted and rerouted the urgent parts. The shipment arrived safely at its destination just three hours behind the original estimate. Sterling’s seamless logistics and dedication made the critical delivery possible, ensuring the rescue helicopter could return to service when it was needed most.