General News
2 June, 2026
Results of chopper’s work
FIGURES reveal the extent of the POLAIR police chopper operations in Cairns since January 2025.
According to Queensland Police Service (QPS), since 1 January 2025, the helicopter has responded to 825 calls for service, assisted in the arrest of 283 offenders and helped recover 78 stolen vehicles.
The service also assisted with 20 searches for vulnerable or missing persons, including a recent search at Kewarra Beach, where community members helped locate a missing 87-year-old woman after aerial crews used the helicopter’s public announcement system to alert residents.
However, the cost of operating aerial patrols has not been disclosed.
POLAIR operations manager Chief Inspector Daniel Bust said the Cairns-based service had already delivered significant results.
“In 2025 alone, the POLAIR Cairns team achieved excellent outcomes, responding to more than 649 calls for service to support a wide range of community safety and policing operations,” he said.
Police said the aircraft were equipped with Forward-Looking Infrared camera sensors, communication systems and advanced night-vision imaging technology to support operations in remote and time-sensitive situations.
It comes as the permanent POLAIR base was opened at Cairns Airport.
The new base, officially launched on 20 May, houses a Bell 429 helicopter as part of the POLAIR North Queensland contract with Meridian Helicopters.
The Cairns facility includes a recently refurbished hangar designed to support rapid response operations across the region, covering areas from Hopevale to Georgetown and south to Townsville.
The Cairns operation works alongside two helicopters based in Townsville, with aircraft rotating between the two cities to maintain uninterrupted aerial support during maintenance periods.
Queensland Police said the aerial unit had already supported operations involving stolen vehicles, serious domestic incidents, missing persons and offender arrests.
Far Northern Region Assistant Commissioner Kevin Guteridge said the expansion strengthened policing capabilities across the region.
“With POLAIR as our eyes in the sky, we are further strengthening our ability to respond swiftly to emergencies and ensuring our communities benefit from enhanced aerial support, no matter how remote the location,” Assistant Commissioner Guteridge said.
“POLAIR provides an invaluable advantage in a region defined by distance, terrain and unique operational challenges, and this expansion reflects our commitment to keeping Far North Queensland communities safe.”
