The state-of-the-art chopper, which is able to respond to emergencies faster and can carry more people, touched down at Gunnedah hospital on Wednesday as part of a training exercise.

Its arrival sent the town into a spin as locals looked skyward to welcome the machine and snap photographs.

The Augusta Westland AW 139 arrived from Italy via Melbourne late last year, finding its new home in Tamworth several weeks ago. 

Westpac Rescue Helicopter media liaison officer Barry Walton told the NVI the helicopter “went live” last week, making its maiden flight to Gunnedah to train local doctors and paramedics this week.

Boasting a greater maximum speed, more fuel and safety features, the new chopper can hover for longer and has a greater capacity to complete a mission should it suffer an engine failure.

The new helicopter is based in Tamworth, but will service the New England and North West.