New Territory industry takes flight with purchase of first plane
The first Albatross G-111T to be built in the Northern Territory (NT) - and Australia - has been purchased by an interstate investor.
Australian entrepreneur Steve Baxter today signed a contract of purchase to buy an amphibious aircraft.
Today’s historic purchase follows the recent signing between Amphibian Aerospace Industries (AAI) who will manufacture planes in Darwin, and ShinMaywa, an established aircraft manufacturer in Japan, confirming a partnership to develop an amphibian aircraft manufacturing hub at Darwin Aviation Manufacturing Precinct.
Manufacturing of these aircraft in Darwin is due to commence after the modified version has been certified with the first plane set to be complete by 2026.
Territory companies will benefit from the manufacturing of the G-111T Albatross, with the Territory Government facilitating a collaboration agreement between AAI and 15 other signatories.
Signatories to date include SPEE3D, Nupress, Heat Treatment Australia, Dassault Systemes and Airport Development Group.
In addition, the Territory Aviation Skills Centre, the Chamber of Commerce NT, Industry Capability Network NT, Australia's Nuclear Science and Technology Organisation, Paspalis Innovation Investment Fund, the Advanced Manufacturing Growth Centre NT and the Territory Government are signatories to the agreement.
The NT Government has committed $10 million through the Local Jobs Fund to build upgraded versions of the Albatross amphibious aircraft in Darwin.
Once established in the Territory, AAI will generate extensive value to the NT economy with the company forecasting annual revenue of over $100 million by the end of the decade.