A world-leading aircraft manufacturer has chosen Victoria for its Asia Pacific engineering operations headquarters as the Andrews Labor Government continues to back the industry.
Minister for Industry Support and Recovery Ben Carroll today visited Bombardier's new Labor Government-backed multimillion-dollar Melbourne Service Centre at Essendon Fields that will create 65 new high-skilled new jobs.
The new engineering headquarters will deliver maintenance, repair and overhaul services, acting as a central depot and providing ground support for all Bombardier aircraft across Australia, New Zealand and the Pacific.
Bombardier has approximately 80 business aircraft customers based in Australia - many of which are based in Melbourne - as well as customers who fly in and out of the country.
The new centre will also deliver opportunities for students and graduates as Bombardier is set to partner with Victorian universities and TAFEs to develop specialised aviation servicing training - enhancing Victoria's position as a leading international education destination.
Bombardier is a global leader in aviation, specialising in designing, manufacturing and servicing business aircraft. Its worldwide fleet of about 5,000 aircraft are used by a variety of multinational corporations, charter providers, governments and high net-worth individuals.
Bombardier adds to the list of aviation engineering firms the Government has recently supported, including aircraft composites manufacturer Quickstep Holdings Limited to expand its facility in Tullamarine and the Qantas Group to establish its principal engineering line maintenance hub at Melbourne Airport.
Victoria's international aviation sector directly employs 6,700 people and supports thousands of other jobs.
As stated by Minister for Industry Support and Recovery Ben Carroll
"We're supporting world-leading businesses to invest here because we know they will boost Victoria's booming economy and bring high-skilled jobs to the state."
"This is a significant win for Victoria to have Bombardier choose Melbourne as its base, further cementing the state as a global leader in innovation."
As stated by Bombardier Executive Vice President Jean-Christophe Gallagher
"The introduction of the new Melbourne Service Centre continues to illustrate how Bombardier is transforming its aftermarket footprint around the world - and establishing high-payingaerospace careers in Melbourne."
"We look forward to deepening our ties with the local community by working with local schools to establish an invaluable aerospace pipeline that will train and develop highly skilled maintenance technicians for years to come."
