Boeing Defence Australia (BDA) has contracted Victorian company Air Fab to build the aircraft safety stands used in the maintenance of Air Force’s F/A-18F Super Hornets and EA-18G Growler aircraft.
The 100 per cent Australian-owned business, which specialises in engineering and fabrication aluminium of access platforms for the aircraft and transport industries, has been awarded a $1.3 million contract for the design, fabrication and supply of the safety stands.
Minister for Defence Linda Reynolds said the safety stands will provide enhanced fall protection for Air Force and Boeing personnel when conducting maintenance on top of, and around, the aircraft.
“Using their unique manufacturing capability, Air Fab will build five sets of aircraft equipment from its facility in Ferntree Gully,” Minister Reynolds said.
“With eight employees, Air Fab is an excellent example of the ingenuity of Australian small business in helping not only keep our personnel safe, but in helping to get Australia’s frontline fighter aircraft back into the air quicker.
“I’m proud to be part of a Government that unashamedly backs Australian industry and Australian workers.”
Defence Industry Minister Melissa Price congratulated BDA for its commitment to expanding the use of Australian Industry in supporting Australia’s aircraft.
“They continue to grow the number of local SMEs in their supply chain and identify new opportunities for them to contribute to the strength and success of our defence industry,” Ms Price added.
Federal Member for Aston Alan Tudge MP said the contract was great news for Air Fab, the community and the manufacturing industry in Knox.
“Air Fab is just another example of the amazing manufacturers that we have here in Knox,” Mr Tudge said.
“Air Fab is a local success story. They are delivering local jobs while exporting advanced manufacturing to service a global market.”
“More investment in Knox businesses is always good news for our community.”
Image credit: www.boeing.com
