Boeing to assemble planes in Australia, first plant outside North America

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A new partnership

In partnership with the Australian state government of Queensland, Boeing has selected Toowoomba as the preferred location for the company’s first such aircraft assembly facility outside of North America.

Boeing Australia will establish the facility in the Wellcamp Aerospace and Defense Zone at Wellcamp Airport. Produce and assemble the Boeing Airpower Teaming System (also known as the Loyal Wingman). It is the first military fighter aircraft designed, developed and manufactured in Australia for half a century. The plane made its maiden flight in February 2021.

The partnership to establish the facility will create new opportunities for Toowoomba. Such as the development of jobs and skills in the region and the state.

“By choosing Wellcamp Airport, Boeing has taken an important step towards the delivery of its specially designed final assembly plant. This has the potential to dramatically improve our state’s advanced manufacturing capacity and help train a workforce of Queenslanders. With the skills to build some of the most avant-garde aircraft in the world, ”said Prime Minister Annastacia Palaszczuk.

Wagner Corporation expects this facility to support around 300 jobs during construction and create highly skilled jobs, further strengthening Queensland’s status as a center for defense industries.

A new project

Treasurer and Investment Minister Cameron Dick said today’s announcement strengthens the state’s nearly 25-year relationship with Boeing.

“This announcement follows our success with Australia’s first commercial drone flight test facility at Cloncurry Airport last December. Of which Boeing was the first user. This is the result of an agreement our government struck with Boeing Australia last year. Support the establishment of the primary final assembly facility for the Boeing Loyal Wingman here in Queensland, subject to defense orders. The project is expected to generate up to $ 1 billion for the Queensland economy over 10 years. With more than the defense industries to benefit, ”Dick said.

This project delivers on the vision of the Queensland Defense Industries Roadmap and Ten-Year Action Plan. A plan that aims to significantly increase defense revenues and generate 3,500 new full-time jobs by 2028.

The unmanned aircraft is designed to operate as a team. Use artificial intelligence to extend the capabilities of manned and unmanned platforms.

Growth opportunities

Boeing Defense Australia vice president and general manager Scott Carpendale believes the choice of Wellcamp airport is Boeing’s preferred location. The company’s first final assembly production facility is indicative of Boeing’s global direction and support. For the purpose of growing Australia’s sovereign defense capability, supply chain and export opportunities.

“We are confident in the future production prospects of this innovative world-class aircraft,” said Carpendale.

“We are thinking long term about this investment. Which could help Australia get a future share of work in other global defense and aerospace opportunities, in addition to the Loyal Wingman assembly.

“The location of Wellcamp Aerospace and Defense Precinct is attractive due to its access to a flight line. With clear flying days, access to commercial flights from major cities and the ability to withstand the rapid pace at which the Airpower Teaming System program is growing.

“Sustainable aerospace is a priority for Boeing, and Wagner’s use of sustainable construction methods supports our vision of creating a premier sustainable aerospace manufacturing plant from the ground up. Including renewable technologies and human-centered design, ”said Carpendale.

Wagner Corporation chairman John Wagner said Boeing chose Toowoomba Wellcamp Airport. For its new production facility for unmanned aircraft has been a major boost for the region.

“Attracting investment and global companies such as Boeing to Toowoomba is recognition of the strategic advantages offered by the Wellcamp airport site. Including access to the future Inland Rail, ”said Wagner.

Boeing Australia is currently developing six aircraft in partnership with the Royal Australian Air Force, with flight tests underway.

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