7 March 2022
Amphibian Aerospace Industries (AAI) is growing their manufacturing footprint in the Territory.
Last week AAI and French company Dassault Systèmes announced they are partnering to develop and produce amphibian aerospace capabilities, to rebuild an upgraded version of the Albatross G-111T – an amphibious aircraft which can take off and touch down from land, snow, ice and water.
The Territory Labor Government is investing $10 million into the project which will create around 300 direct jobs.
AAI will leverage Dassault Systèmes’ decades of expertise in the aviation sector and the 3DEXPERIENCE platform to build a virtual twin to design and manufacture the transport category plane.
Dassault Systèmes will also work with AAI to develop the integrated ecosystem of an extended supply chain needed to bring this legendary seaplane back to the skies, including working with other companies in the AAI supply chain, and the Northern Territory Government, in the development of an advanced aviation manufacturing precinct in Darwin, the first of its kind in Australia.
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.
The Albatross has a long and distinguished history but has not been commercially manufactured since the 1960’s. It is a highly-regarded aircraft and evidence through market studies have demonstrated that there is a strong demand for it to fill an identified gap in the global aviation market.
This will be an exciting opportunity to build a new industry together with its associated supply chain which will create flow-on benefits for jobs, education and the economy in the Northern Territory.
Quotes from Chief Minister Michael Gunner:
“The Northern Territory is Australia’s best investment right now and everyone from mining giants to multi-national French aviation leaders are buying into the comeback.
“This is another significant step forward in what will be a long term creator of highly-skilled jobs for the Northern Territory.
“Dassault Systèmes is a global leader in the aviation sector and its partnership with Amphibian Aerospace Industries will accelerate the journey toward manufacturing these legendary seaplanes right here in Darwin.”
Northern Territory Government
