What’s happening?
POLAIR has officially launched in North Queensland, with two Bell 429 helicopters blessed in Townsville on 28 April.
The aircraft was blessed by Queensland Police Service (QPS) Chaplain Artie Shepherd during the official launch ceremony.
The launch marks the expanded POLAIR capability in North Queensland.
From 1 April 2026, POLAIR in North Queensland moved to full operating capability.
The aircraft now have identical mission role equipment to existing POLAIR aircraft in South East Queensland.
Trained and accredited police officers are also performing aircrew duties as Tactical Flight Officers.
The Bell 429 helicopters are delivered through a 10-year service contract between QPS and Meridian Helicopters.
Acting Commissioner of Police Brett Pointing said the launch showed QPS support for frontline policing.
“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.”
Why it matters?
The full POLAIR capability gives police stronger support during critical incidents across North Queensland.
The helicopters can assist with stolen vehicles, serious domestic incidents, missing person searches and offender arrests.
Chief Inspector Daniel Bust said the results showed POLAIR’s value to frontline policing.
“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.”
Local Impact
The POLAIR team operates across a wide area from Proserpine to Ingham and west to Charters Towers.
This gives Townsville District and nearby communities stronger airborne support during urgent police operations.
Northern Region Assistant Commissioner Virginia Nelson said POLAIR had been a welcome addition for local crews.
“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.”
By the numbers
- POLAIR responded to 1,147 calls for service in Townsville during 2025, and was first QPS asset on scene for 560 jobs.
- The crew assisted with 15 searches for vulnerable or missing people, and attended 209 serious domestic violence incidents.
- POLAIR helped arrest 415 offenders, including 132 young offenders, and responded to 174 stolen vehicle jobs, with 75 vehicles recovered.
Zoom In
The Bell 429 helicopters have mission role equipment designed for POLAIR’s operational needs.
Chief Inspector Bust said the aircraft includes Forward Looking Infrared camera sensors.
“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.”
POLAIR also assisted in containing or locating 129 respondents linked to serious domestic violence incidents in 2025.
Zoom Out
The North Queensland launch brings the region in line with the POLAIR capability already used in South East Queensland.
It also gives QPS a stronger aerial response across a large regional area.
For police, the expansion supports faster decisions during active incidents.
For the community, it adds another layer of support during urgent and high-risk situations.
What To Look For Next?
With full operating capability now in place, POLAIR’s North Queensland crew will continue supporting frontline police.
The new helicopters and trained Tactical Flight Officers will keep working with Meridian Helicopters.
That partnership will help maintain airborne law enforcement support across the Townsville District and the surrounding areas.
