Today a special medical retrieval plane, funded by the Australian Government, will join the Little Wings fleet dedicated to transporting seriously ill children in regional, rural and remote locations.
The new Little Wings Beechcraft Baron can fly up to five people, taking sick children and their families to lifesaving medical treatments in the cities before returning them home.
Based at Bankstown Airport, the plane will enable Little Wings to deliver an extra 800 flights each year, increasing its capabilities by a third.
Little Wings Hospital Flights provide free flight and ground transport services for seriously ill children in the ACT, New South Wales and Queensland.
The new plane was provided as a part of the commitment from the Australian Government to provide quality health care to all Australians, regardless of the location they live in through a $1.8 million investment in the 2022-23 Budget.
Little Wings is helping reduce the hours families spend travelling in the car, down to a more manageable short flight of just an hour or so.
The plane also supports the Medical Wings program, flying medical specialists to communities so they can deliver medical treatments to over 500 children in their hometown.
Quotes attributable to Minister Mark Butler:
"For families facing the unimaginable, Little Wings is a beacon of hope, delivering swift and secure transport during their most trying moments.
"The introduction of this new aircraft at Bankstown bolsters the invaluable service that Little Wings provides.
"The extension of support for Little Wings reflects our government's commitment to strengthening the health infrastructure that binds our nation together.
"Little Wings helps to ensure no child's health is compromised by distance or location."
Quotes attributable to Minister Jason Clare:
"The new aircraft in Bankstown is an important addition to Little Wings and will help them transport even more sick kids from the bush to hospitals in the city.
"Since joining the Little Wings fleet, the plane has been flying daily, doing as many as three missions a day.
"It is a privilege to continue to support this local charity that does such important work for sick children and their families in the regions."
Quotes attributable to Assistant Minister Emma McBride:
"All Australians deserve to have access to quality primary care, not just those who live in major cities.
"Little Wings provides critical support to Australian kids when they need urgent transport.
"For families living with the challenges of dealing with a very sick child, Little Wings is a lifeline. It takes away the huge stress of long-distance travel, offering safety and support at the toughest times.
"The Australian Government is dedicated to making rural, remote and regional health as good as it can possibly be."
