Brisbane Airport starts construction on aeromedical precinct

Brisbane Airport are starting the construction of an Aeromedical Precinct, serving Queenslanders in regional, rural and remote communities. The new project will be part of a partnership with the Queensland Government, enhancing emergency response capabilities across the State.

Located between the parallel runways of Brisbane Airport for quick access, it will include aircraft and resources for the Royal Flying Doctor Service, LifeFlight, Retrieval Services Queensland and Queensland Police Service Aviation Capability Group.

The $217 million Aeromedical Precinct will have capacity for 26 aircraft and include 18,700 square metres of hangar and headquarters space, along with 17,800 square metres of tarmac parking. The precinct will provide parking for 450 staff. 

“There’s nothing like the scale of Brisbane Airport’s Aeromedical Precinct anywhere in the world. This groundbreaking project will significantly enhance the level of care for Queenslanders needing urgent treatment in Brisbane,” according to Brisbane Airport CEO, Gert-Jan de Graaff.   

In FY24, the Royal Flying Doctor Service flew 4,611 patients to Brisbane Airport. LifeFlight’s Air Ambulance jets airlifted 528 people, and its helicopters helped 552 people.

A new patient transfer facility will care for people transitioning between aircraft and road ambulances. 

“Around 18 patients every day are flown in and out of Brisbane Airport. Those transfers between aircraft and ambulance will now take place inside a patient transfer hub at the core of the Aeromedical Precinct,” De Graaff added.

“Currently RFDS, LifeFlight and other emergency agencies are spread across Brisbane Airport, kilometres apart. The Aeromedical Precinct will bring them together in one location, centrally located between our two runways so they can quickly get into the air. Not only will these lifesavers work together, they’ll learn from each other.”

The facility will integrate and collate patient aeromedical retrieval and transport, clinical and logistic coordination, including statewide telehealth clinical and education support to rural and remote hospitals.  

The precinct will also feature hangars for fixed and rotary wing aircraft, administration areas and a medical base for regional patient and donor transfers. 

“This is the largest multi-tenanted property built by Brisbane Airport, and we’re delighted its sole purpose is to serve the people of Queensland, in every corner of the state,” De Graaf said.

“Brisbane Airport provides a vital 24/7 connection for Queenslanders in regional, country and remote communities who need critical care. 

“We want to commend the Queensland Government for its very strong support of the Aeromedical Precinct.” 

The development will be targeting 5 Star Green Star accreditation and includes a 400kW solar system. A café will provide staff in this growing precinct of the airport with a convenient place to recharge. ADCO Constructions is aiming for the completion of Aeromedical Precinct in December 2026 with 150 people employed on-site during the construction phase of the project, and more than 400 people working here once it is open.