Local Aviation Firm Flying High

Victoria’s Air Ambulance helicopters regularly perform some of the most dramatic rescues in the world and their fleet is now even sharper thanks to a Sunshine Coast start-up business.

Caloundra-based HeliMods has fitted out five emergency services helicopters with the latest technology and custom designed modifications that will enable them to carry out their vital operations in Victoria and Queensland.

HeliMods Managing Director Will Shrapnel said he was proud to deliver the important upgrades to the rescue helicopters that are valued at around $85 million.

“Our team of world-class engineers together with support from our local suppliers have ensured that these state-of-the-art helicopters are ready to provide critical emergency services over the summer holidays,” Mr Shrapnel said.

“We are an award winning global company however we choose to operate from the Sunshine Coast through the niche service delivery of custom designed and manufactured helicopter modifications. Our national and global clients cross a wide range of industries including Emergency Management Services, Search and Rescue, Police and Defence.”

Sunshine Coast Mayor Mark Jamieson said HeliMods was a great example of a local firm delivering world class expertise to a global market.

“I understand that there are only a handful of firms across the globe which deliver the same range of services as HeliMods,” Mayor Jamieson said.

“They have created a very successful business by being highly competitive in the delivery of custom engineering and production solutions in a high-value, low volume industry.

“I recently visited the HeliMods headquarters at the Caloundra Airport along with Sunshine Coast Aviation Taskforce chair Terry O’Brien and it is easy to see why they are world leaders in their field.

“To have the Victorian Air Ambulance service seek out a Sunshine Coast business to perform these vital fit-outs is yet another positive sign for our economy and is yet another example of a major high tech company growing and succeeding here on the Coast.

“Will is an outstanding local business leader and his team of around 30 specialist staff are at the forefront in the development of our local high value Aviation and Aerospace sector which contributes around $124.6 million to the regional economy and provides more than 500 local jobs.

“Aviation and Aerospace is one of seven High Value Industries identified in the Sunshine Coast Regional Economic Development Strategy as the keys to future economic growth and employment opportunities.

“Sunshine Coast Council is very keen to help the growth of the Aviation and Aerospace sector and the success of firms like HeliMods will hopefully encourage more businesses in this sector to do business within our region.” Mayor Jamieson said.