Friends of the RFDS
To carry out the work of the Service, the RFDS depends on fast, reliable aircraft fitted with state-of-the-art medical equipment. Each aircraft costs us almost $8 million to purchase and transform into a flying intensive care unit. As our aircraft come to the end of their service life, they must be replaced. 
The Friends of the RFDS was established in July 2005 and a Capital Appeal for Aircraft Replacement launched with the goal of raising $10 million dollars over five years. Membership of the Friends of the RFDS provides another opportunity for our generous supporters to ensure that we continue to provide crucial emergency and primary healthcare services to rural and remote areas. Together with our Friends, the Flying Doctor’s mission is to save lives and also improve quality of life in the Bush.
UK Friends of the RFDS
The United Kingdom branch of the Friends of the Royal Flying Doctor Service of Australia was formed in 2003 to mark the 75th Anniversary of the first Flying Doctor's flight.
Friends in the UK is a special group of UK-based supporters who work to raise funds for aircraft replacement. They have secured major support from the Glencore Foundation, Rio Tinto and other supporters.
The Patron of the Friends is HRH the Prince of Wales.
Mrs Marina Ritossa is the UK Friends Chair and the other Directors/Trustees include Sir Michael Bishop of the Michael Bishop Foundation (the founding Chair of UK Friends) and Mr John Milhinch of the RFDS.
The Royal Flying Doctor Service gratefully acknowledges this support.