Australia’s Department of Defence has begun the construction of a four-bay hangar in Adelaide for the armed forces’ Boeing 737 aircraft maintenance project.
Adjacent to the Royal Australian Air Force (RAAF) Base Edinburgh, the hub will measure 240 meters (787.4 feet) long and 60 meters (196.8 feet) wide.
The center will have a 25-meter (82-foot) clearance needed to support overhauls of the country’s 737 special purpose aircraft, operational since the 2000s.
It is also expected to provide modifications for other similar systems, including the E-7A Wedgetail early warning and control aircraft and the P8-A maritime patrol aircraft.
Upon completion, the hangar will be used to expand the military’s sovereign capabilities to address its airborne fleet’s requirements instead of relying on offshore services.
Work for the 200 million Australian dollar ($134.6 million) infrastructure project will run for two years, with about 450 construction jobs to be supported throughout the phase.
Another 50 roles for ground servicing, avionics, structural, and mechanical engineering will be opened up once the hangar is operational.
“The State Government has a proud history of directly investing in infrastructure to grow our defence industry and this project will see our state become the home of aircraft maintenance for this part of the RAAF fleet,” South Australian Defence and Space Industries Minister Stephen Mullighan remarked.
“Because of our investment, for the first time, the Defence Force will be able to modify and maintain its fleet of Boeing military aircraft on Australian soil.”
“The state has a strong track record delivering Defence projects and this will further enhance South Australia’s reputation as a leader in this space.”
Supporting Local Community Heritage
Canberra will partner with South Australia’s urban development agency Renewal SA to construct the 737 hangar.
This 2.1-hectare hub will be built inside a 16-hectare project area possessed by Queensland-based construction management services firm BESIX Watpac in accordance with the Aboriginal Heritage Act and in consultation with Adelaide’s Kaurna Traditional Owners.
“Renewal SA is committed to demonstrating best practice cultural heritage and engagement with Traditional Owners, respecting the history of Country and undertaking development on lands that have been lived on for thousands of years,” Renewal SA CEO Chris Menz stated.
“Our focus will include increasing economic participation of First Nations people through training and employment, in addition to cultural heritage practices through construction.”