RFDS Seeks To Double Payload Capacity

Australia's Royal Flying Doctor Service is in the market for two bigger airplanes, necessitated by a noticeable trend toward obesity in its patients.

Reuters reports the Australian state of New South Wales is assessing the cost of acquiring two new larger airplanes for its fleet. The Royal Flying Doctor Service provides medical services for patients in rural and remote locations.

A spokeswoman for the state's health ministry said the new planes would need to double the current payload limit of about 300 pounds to nearly 600 pounds to keep pace with the need to transport larger patients.

The decision is in keeping with a similar trend to provide for larger patients seen in ambulances and helicopters also utilized by the RFDS. "The ambulance service has obviously seen a need," the spokeswoman said.

Although Australians are more frequently associated with a healthy image of active lifestyles, recent surveys indicate Australians are some of the most obese people globally.

FMI: www.flyingdoctor.net