The Royal Flying Doctor Service of Australia (Western Operations) has taken delivery of a first PC-12 PRO as part of a broader modernisation plan that will see eight of the organisation's 17 legacy PC-12s progressively retired and replaced by the newer PRO variant by 2030. The brand-new turboprop, registered as VH-AW2 (msn 3002) on May 8, was first active on June 8 with a circuit around Perth Jandakot, where it will be based. The aircraft, due to enter service later this year, was ferried to Australia between April 17 and 22 under test registration HB-FUC.

“This aircraft gives us greater range, reliability, and capability, which is critical when operating across WA's vast and often challenging environment,” said RFDS WA chief executive Judith Barker. The arrival of RFDS WA's first PC-12 PRO follows the induction of the variant by Royal Flying Doctor Service of Australia (Central Operations), one of the seven entities that make up Royal Flying Doctor Service. The two divisions are operationally and financially independent.