Essendon Fields Airport has reinforced its position as a critical base for Victoria’s general aviation, serving as the operational base for the Victoria Police Air Wing as well as Victoria’s wider emergency service airwings. Together, these emergency services conduct more than 15,000 rapid-response missions every year from the precinct.

On National Police Remembrance Day, Essendon Fields is paying tribute to the courage and sacrifice of Victoria Police officers, while recognising the essential role its facilities play in enabling 24/7 emergency response operations across the state. As part of this tribute, the Essendon Fields entry statement will be illuminated in blue, standing as a beacon of respect and gratitude.

The Victoria Police Air Wing operates from a purpose-built 6,127 square metre hangar at Essendon Fields that it shares with Ambulance Victoria, housing its helicopter fleet and specialist equipment. Its proximity to Melbourne’s CBD, combined with the airport’s aviation infrastructure, ensures fast response times for critical incidents ranging from search and rescue to law enforcement and medical emergencies. Together with Air Ambulance Victoria, the Australian Maritime Safety Authority search and rescue operations, the Royal Flying Doctors Service of Victoria, AirMed and additional Medevac operators, the precinct records in excess of 15,000 emergency aviation movements annually, providing rapid response to incidents across metropolitan Melbourne and regional Victoria.

“Essendon Fields is proud to be home to our state’s airborne heroes,” said CEO Brendan Pihan.

“While we are recognised as a hub for both general and business aviation, our most important role is ensuring critical emergency services have the infrastructure and support they need to keep Victorians safe. National Police Remembrance Day is a moment to reflect on the courage and sacrifice of Victoria Police, and to acknowledge the importance of the work carried out from this precinct every day.”

Essendon Fields continues to expand as Melbourne’s home of general aviation, balancing commercial growth with community responsibility. With one-third of the nation’s corporate aircraft based on-site, alongside the state’s emergency aviation operations, the precinct is uniquely positioned as both a driver of economic activity and a cornerstone of Victoria’s public safety network.

To learn more about how Essendon Fields Airport is the proud home of the State’s emergency services air wings, please click here.