Aerospace and Aviation
Adelaide, South Australia is Australia’s least costly place to set up and do business, and has been rated as one of the world's most cost-competitive locations for aerospace.1
From this competitive platform, South Australia supports many complementary aviation businesses, including large-value defence projects such as A$1 billion AP-3C Orion aircraft maintenance and upgrade contract.
Our aerospace and aviation industry offers aircraft maintenance and leasing and pilot flight training, and specialises in developing and installing aviation systems.
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.
Employment
- 2,500 people employed in air and space transport and services in the year to August 2009.2
Number of businesses
- 54 aircraft manufacturing businesses and 99 businesses in air and space transport and services in 2006-07.
Research and development
- South Australia is home to the national Defence Science and Technology Organisation (DSTO) and Centre for Excellence in Defence and Industry Systems Capability.
Geographic focus
- Most aerospace and aviation activities are located near Adelaide Airport, RAAF Edinburgh and Parafield Airport, located 18 kilometres north of the city centre. The Woomera range is located in northwest South Australia.
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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