POLAIR has officially taken to the skies in North Queensland, with the blessing of two state-of-the-art Bell 429 helicopters at a launch ceremony in Townsville on 28 April.
In 2025 alone, POLAIR has significantly enhanced the Queensland Police Service's (QPS) operational response across the Northern District, responding to more than 1,147 calls for service.
From 1 April 2026, the POLAIR presence in North Queensland has now transitioned to a full operating capability, with identical aircraft and mission role equipment to the existing POLAIR aircraft in South East Queensland, and trained and accredited police officers performing aircrew duties as Tactical Flight Officers.
The two aircraft were blessed by QPS Chaplain Artie Shepherd today, marking the official launch of the aerial assets and celebrating the expanded capability into North Queensland.
The POLAIR team of Tactical Flight Officers (TFOs) operate across a large area from Proserpine to Ingham and out west to Charters Towers, significantly bolstering the Service's ability to respond to critical police incidents, including tracking stolen vehicles, responding to serious domestic incidents, searching for missing persons and assisting with the arrest of offenders in the region.
The Bell 429 helicopters are delivered under a 10-year service contract between the QPS and local service provider Meridian Helicopters.
Acting Commissioner of Police Brett Pointing said the official launch demonstrates the QPS's commitment to supporting frontline policing and keeping North Queensland communities safe.
"POLAIR's aerial support has been instrumental in supporting our officers on the ground and protecting the North Queensland community," Acting Commissioner Pointing said.
"With the expansion of POLAIR operations and state-of-the-art Bell 429 helicopters, we are further strengthening our ability to combat crime, respond to emergencies, and ensure our communities are safer."
QPS Police Air Operations Manager Chief Inspector Daniel Bust said significant operational results by POLAIR highlight the value of the capability to frontline policing across North Queensland.
"Our Townsville crew has responded to more than 1,147 calls for service in 2025, including assisting in 15 searches for vulnerable or missing persons, attending more than 209 serious domestic violence incidents, and responding to over 174 stolen vehicle jobs," Chief Inspector Bust said.
"The success of POLAIR demonstrates the importance and effectiveness of having a well-trained unit of qualified Tactical Flight Officers and support staff.
"Working in conjunction with our service provider in North Queensland, Meridian Helicopters, the POLAIR team is able to deliver a safe and efficient airborne law enforcement capability for the QPS.
"The commencement of a full operating capability with new aircraft and trained Tactical Flight Officers in North Queensland will enable the continuation of these successes."
Chief Inspector Bust also explained the aircraft and mission role equipment have been tailored to the unique operational requirements of POLAIR, significantly boosting the unit's capabilities.
"The POLAIR helicopters are equipped with state-of-the-art mission role equipment, including Forward Looking Infrared camera (FLIR) sensors, that provide real-time situational awareness to frontline and specialist police," he said.
"This means police on the ground have access to critical information as events unfold, enhancing decision-making, improving officer safety, and increasing the likelihood of apprehending offenders."
Northern Region Assistant Commissioner Virginia Nelson said POLAIR has been a welcome addition to assist local crews on the ground, working swiftly and effectively to obtain successful results in Townsville District and beyond.
"With the assistance of the eyes-in-the-sky, the District is well-positioned to respond swiftly and effectively to incidents across North Queensland," Assistant Commissioner Nelson said.
"POLAIR's Tactical Flight Officers play an important role in the District's operational response, and have developed a fantastic inter-operability with District staff on the ground, to ensure officers have the airborne support they need to keep the community safe."
POLAIR helicopter statistics for Townsville throughout 2025:
- Responded to 1,147 calls for service;
- First QPS asset on scene for 560 jobs;
- Assisted with 15 searches for vulnerable or missing persons;
- Assisted with the arrest of 415 offenders, including 132 young offenders;
- Attended 209 serious domestic violence incidents as a first response capability and involved in containing or locating 129 respondents;
- Responded to 174 stolen vehicle jobs and recovered 75 stolen vehicles.
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