A MEDICAL transfer at Warwick Hospital on Sunday was the first chance for Warwick residents to catch a glimpse of CareFlight's brand new aircraft.

The AgustaWestland 139 made its maiden voyage from the new CareFlight Brisbane base to Warwick to transfer a 50 year-old man for further treatment at the Princess Alexandra Hospital.

The helicopter is the first new aircraft to join the operation in 30 years and is larger, faster and tailor-made for the demanding aero-medical requirements of CareFlight's critical care crews.

Operations Manager Matt O'Rourke said the helicopter will enhance CareFlight's life-saving service to the community.

"The faster AW139 aircraft features a state-of-the-art cockpit and avionics system, and a much larger working space for the medical crew in the rear of the aircraft," Mr O'Rourke said. "It will ensure CareFlight can operate at full capacity well into the future." The new helicopter, which can comfortably transfer two stretchered patients, underwent a specific Emergency Medical Service installation in October to prepare it for its important role in the air-medical environment.

"The medical fit out needed to transform the AW139 into a flying Intensive Care Unit was significant," Mr O'Rourke said.

Medical configurations and safety specific modifications included provisions for at least 1,600 litres of oxygen, a special medical-grade floor to withstand corrosive elements, and an electrical system capable of powering medical equipment such as monitors, neonatal cots and defibrillators.

The aircraft was also configured with communication systems, weather RADAR, Night Vision Goggle capabilities, a night search light and more.

Until the next visit to Warwick, the AW139 helicopter will operate out of CareFlight's new Brisbane base, which was officially unveiled at Brisbane Airport on September 18.

Last year alone CareFlight teams flew 104 missions to the Southern Downs, 51 of which were patient transfers from Warwick Hospital.

CareFlight visits

 104 missions to the Southern Downs in the 2014-15 financial year.

 51 of these missions involved medical transfers from Warwick Hospital to hospitals in Brisbane and Toowoomba