iscover
Construction has begun on a four-bay aircraft hangar near RAAF Base Edinburgh that will allow the ADF’s 737-based aircraft to be maintained in Australia, rather than being sent offshore.
This content is available exclusively to Australian Aviation members.
A monthly membership is only $5.99 or save with our annual plans.
- Australian Aviation quarterly print & digital magazines
- Access to In Focus reports every month on our website
- Unlimited access to all Australian Aviation digital content
- Access to the Australian Aviation app
- Australian Aviation quarterly print & digital magazines
- Access to In Focus reports every month on our website
- Access to our Behind the Lens photo galleries and other exclusive content
- Daily news updates via our email bulletin
- Unlimited access to all Australian Aviation digital content
- Access to the Australian Aviation app
- Australian Aviation quarterly print & digital magazines
- Access to In Focus reports every month on our website
- Access to our Behind the Lens photo galleries and other exclusive content
- Daily news updates via our email bulletin
Once complete, the $200 million Deep Maintenance and Modification Facility (DMMF) will be 240 metres long, 60 metres wide and 25 metres high.
The ADF has several military aircraft based on Boeing’s commercial 737 aircraft, including the P8-A maritime patrol aircraft and the E-7A Wedgetail.
Defence Industry Minister Pat Conroy said, “It means Australian aircraft will be maintained by Australian workers, using their skills to keep RAAF aircraft safely in the skies for years to come.”
The government expects that approximately 450 construction jobs will be generated during the two-year build. The facility is expected to support around 50 new highly skilled jobs, including mechanical, avionics and structural engineers, painters and ground servicing equipment trades.
BESIX Watpac is leading the design and construction of the hangar, which will include a four-bay aircraft hangar, offices, workshops, stores, amenities areas and plant rooms.
It comes after Australian Aviation reported in July that the RAAF’s first new Boeing 737 MAX 8 BBJ aircraft has touched down in Australia.
Registered A62-001, the jet is one of two slated to arrive in coming months and will be used to fly government ministers and the Governor-General, replacing two ageing 737-700s. A62-001 touched down at Canberra Airport on Friday, 12 July.
BBJs are specially modified versions of Boeing’s traditional commercial aircraft, designed to accommodate VIPs.
“The two new BBJ aircraft are part of the medium-capacity Special Purpose Aircraft replacement program and will replace the current fleet of two 737-700 BBJ aircraft based at Defence Establishment Fairbairn,” the Defence Force said.
“The 737-8 BBJ supports the government to conduct business in a timely, efficient and secure manner, enabling government business to continue when commercial flight options are not available or not suitable.
“The new BBJ can transport up to 30 passengers, with fewer refuelling stops and improved amenities than the current aircraft.”
The Australian revealed in May that taxpayers will pay $450 million for the two new Boeing business jets (BBJ) because the cost of leasing replacements for 12 years rose from $372 million to $550 million, making an outright purchase more affordable.
“The Albanese government is committed to ensuring Defence acquisitions represent best value for money,” a government spokesperson said earlier this year.
The RAAF currently has access to three leased Dassault Falcon 7X business jets that can carry 14 passengers and 12 KA350 King Airs that only seat up to eight.
Trevor Amos
says:The RAAF could do with 2-3 all economy seat B737 aircraft. The B707 was a good size aircraft to move passengers around instead of using C-130’s. The KC-30A is too big for some of this tasking. The extra B737’s could be operated by either of the three squadrons already operating one of the B737 versions could take them, although 34 SQN would be the obvious choice due to already having Crew Attendants and if we were to get the MAX version.