Black Hawks to lift disaster aid

AUSTRALIA could soon have access to nearly a dozen Black Hawk helicopters to help during bushfire season and natural disasters. Kaan Air Australia and StarFlight Australia have signed an agreement worth up to $ 63 million with Sikorsky – the original manufacturer – to import and refurbish 10 ex- US military helicopters early next year. They will be repurposed in Brisbane specifically for aerial firebombing operations and disaster relief work. Kaan Air Australia and StarFlight Australia CEO John Skeen said the agreement would help emergency services fill a gap in firefighting and disaster relief.