US aviation giant doubles down at Essendon Fields
Textron Aviation will more than double its footprint at Essendon Airport.
The US based aircraft designer has committed to a 3343 square metre hangar (artist’s impression, top) near La Manna, set to start construction in May.
To be located on the Southern Apron, eliminating the need to use Essendon Fields’ jet crossing, the facility will add a stockroom and larger lounge to its warehousing and offices.
For the maintenance, repair and overhauling of Beechcraft, Cessna and Hawkers, it will employ about 23 people, the bulk (13), engineers.
“Essendon Fields Airport is home to an extensive fleet of Beechcraft King Air aircraft, operated by the Royal Flying Doctor Service, Air Ambulance and Victoria Police Airwing,” Essendon Fields chief executive officer, Brendan Pihan, said.
“Numerous Cessna aircraft including Citation models are also domiciled on site, used by private operators for domestic and international charter,” he added (story continues below).
“Essendon Fields is becoming known globally as Australia’s home for corporate aircraft, with around a third of the country’s business jets permanently domiciled here,” according to the executive.
“All this activity in the air is serviced by an ongoing investment into our airfield, and in new facilities for aircraft maintenance, repair and overhaul, alongside space for aviation engineer training”.
Also today, Textron said it would move to a larger modernised facility at Perth’s Jandakot airport.
Completion of the Hangar 83 building at Essendon Fields is scheduled next year.
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