Aerospace and Aviation

South Australia has a long history of achievement in the aviation industry.

The State supports many aviation businesses, including large-value defence projects such as the A$1 billion AP-3C Orion aircraft maintenance and upgrade contract.

KPMG’s 2010 Competitive Alternatives survey ranked Adelaide as one of the world's most cost-competitive locations for aerospace.

Flight Training Adelaide is an internationally renowned pilot-training organisation servicing Qantas, Emirates, Air China, Cathy Pacific, JAL Express and British Airways. Graduates of aviation programs from the State’s leading educational institutions are also employed by airlines around the world. 

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 in the State’s north.

Most aerospace and aviation activities are located near Adelaide Airport, RAAF Edinburgh and Parafield Airport, located 18 kilometres north of the city centre.

South Australia is the base for National Air Support, which provides civilian maritime surveillance for the Coastwatch border protection program, and home to the national Defence Science and Technology Organisation (DSTO).

Case studies
Cobham Flight Operations & Services Australia
Levett Engineering

Key links
Australian Industry Group
Defence, Science and Technology Organisation
Regional Aviation Association of Australia
Aircraft Owners and Pilots Association of Australia