Aerospace and Aviation
Adelaide is the one of the world’s most cost-competitive cities for aerospace product manufacturing.1
South Australia hosts the Australian Defence Force’s aerospace and maritime surveillance operations at Royal Australian Air Force (RAAF) Edinburgh, and the world’s largest test facility for long-range missiles and rockets: the 127,000 square kilometre Woomera defence and commercial test, evaluation and training range.
It is also the base for National Air Support, which provides civilian maritime surveillance for the Coastwatch border protection program.
Overview
KPMG in its 2008 survey of 102 international cities listed Adelaide as Australia’s most cost-competitive city. Adelaide was also rated highly as a world location for aerospace, cementing Adelaide’s position as an ideal investment location for all aerospace and aviation operations.
From this competitive platform, South Australia supports many complementary aviation businesses, including large-value defence projects such as the A$1 billion Tenix AP-3C Orion upgrade contract.
Our aerospace and aviation industry offers aircraft maintenance and leasing and pilot flight training, and specialises in developing and installing aviation systems.
Output
• A$250 million income from operations at RAAF base Edinburgh.
Employment
• Employed approximately 1,400 people in civilian air transport services in 2006-07.
• Stationed 1,900 air force personnel in 2003.
Research and development
• Location for the national Defence Science and Technology Organisation (DSTO) and Centre for Excellence in Defence and Industry Systems Capability.
Geographic focus
• Most South Australian aerospace and aviation activities based around Adelaide Airport, RAAF Edinburgh and Parafield Airport, located 18 kilometres north of the city centre. The Woomera range is located in northwest South Australia.
Number of businesses
• There are 48 aircraft manufacturing businesses operating in SA. The following table provides details on aviation transport businesses.
Aviation transport businesses
| Aviation Industry |
1-19 employees |
20+ employees |
Non-employing |
Total no. of businesses |
| 6401 Scheduled international air transport |
3 |
0 |
3 |
6 |
| 6402 Scheduled domestic air transport |
3 |
3 |
9 |
15 |
| 6403 Non-scheduled air and space transport |
12 |
3 |
42 |
57 |
Achievements
• Home to the award-winning A$260m international Adelaide Airport.
• Australia’s preferred location for pilot training – servicing Qantas, JAL Express, China Airlines, Emirates, Cathay Pacific and Vietnam Airlines.
Case studies
BAE Systems Australia
Cobham Flight Operations & Services Australia
Levett Engineering
Industry groups
Defence Teaming Centre
Defence, Science and Technology Organisation
Regional Aviation Association of Australia
Aircraft Owners and Pilots Association of Australia
Centre of Excellence in Defence and Industry Systems Capability
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