12-Year Contract Includes Super Hornet

The Australian Ministry of Defense has awarded a 12 year contract to General Electric International Incorporated (GEII) to provide all support for the engines powering the Australian Defence Force's (ADF) F/A-18A/B Hornet and soon to be acquired F/A-18F Super Hornet aircraft.

The Minister for Defence, The Hon. Joel Fitzgibbon MP, said that the new contract will save in excess of $20m and provide ongoing opportunities for a workforce of approximately 150 in south-east Queensland.

"I am pleased to announce that a substantial proportion of the engine support work will be performed at RAAF Base Amberley in south-east Queensland over the next decade.

"The awarding of the contract to GEII ensures ongoing employment opportunities in the local Amberley area while providing the best value for money for the Australian taxpayer," Fitzgibbon added.

GEII, with major support from Australian companies Tasman Aviation Enterprises and Goodrich Control Systems Australia, will support the two engine fleets for their planned ADF service lives.

Federal Member for Blair, Shayne Neumann MP, welcomed the announcement that most of the engine support work would be undertaken at the RAAF Base Amberley.

"The local community is very supportive of our Defence families and personnel, and I am pleased there will be further employment opportunities locally to support the new Super Hornets," Neumann said.

FMI: www.defence.gov.au, www.ge.com/