South Australia’s status as an international leader in aerospace development has been enhanced with the establishment of Australia’s first aerospace cluster.

Manufacturing and Innovation Minister Kyam Maher has today officially launched the Australian Aerospace Alliance.

The Minister said the Alliance was aimed at encouraging collaboration with the state’s defence and commercial aerospace sectors.

“The Alliance is a collaboration between the Defence Teaming Centre, the Department of State Development, and the local defence industry, and will help to link small to medium sized South Australian companies to global defence giants such as BAE Systems,” he said.

“During the next 20 years, one third of the total estimated 33,500 new wide-body passenger aircraft – worth around $4 trillion – will be delivered in the Asia Pacific region.

“This presents a great opportunity for local industries, with the Alliance’s network of companies well placed to deliver highly competitive, innovative, and value-added solutions that meet the needs of commercial and defence customers.”

The Alliance is already having an impact, helping Cobham Airlines to secure a $640 million contract to supply, integrate, maintain, and operate search and rescue aircraft for the Australian Maritime Authority.

Defence Industries Minister Martin Hamilton-Smith said the Alliance is focused on capturing work from the global defence and commercial aerospace sectors through the collective strength, capabilities and innovation of its 20 members.

“Given the annual production of commercial aircraft is projected to increase by 25 per cent by 2023 – this is a real opportunity right on our doorstep. I am attending Avalon Air Show next week on behalf of the Minister for Manufacturing and Innovation to launch the Australian Aerospace Alliance on the international stage.”

Minister Maher said the State Government had approved $250,000 in funding for the Defence Teaming Centre to support the further development of a Special Vehicle Cluster, with the funding provided through the Future Industries for South Australia package within South Australia’s Our Jobs Plan.

“Included in the Future Industries for South Australia package are initiatives to encourage industries and researchers to establish clusters,” he said.

“The State Government is committed to positioning South Australia as a focal point for developing clusters, which can link small-to-medium enterprises, large business, research organisations, financiers, government agencies, and support services.

“We want to form clusters around specialist areas where South Australia has strengths, and where we can be internationally competitive.”