Hundreds of maintenance jobs have been secured at Amberley after the Federal Government signed a four-year extension to Boeing Defence Australia’s contract to maintain Super Hornet and Growler aircraft in Ipswich.
The Air Combat Electronic Attack Sustainment Program (ACEASP) contract has secured a $280 million extension until 2025.
Boeing provides logistics, maintenance, engineering and operational and capability upgrade management services to the RAAF.
Boeing’s ACEASP program manager Chris Gray said the contract extension means Boeing can continue to have a significant impact on Australia’s defence capabilities and strengthen the company’s ability to build Australian industry capability.
“We thank Defence for granting us this important contract extension which enables us to continue our critical sustainment services for the RAAF’s fleet of F/A-18F Super Hornets and EA-18G Growlers,” Mr Gray said.
“Boeing’s role as platform steward gives us the opportunity to come to work and make a vital difference to Australia’s airpower capability.”
Defence Industry Minister Melissa Price welcomed the extension to the Air Combat Electronic Attack Sustainment Contract and said it was an endorsement of Boeing’s performance and support of local workers.
“The contract, valued at $280 million, provides a highly-experienced maintenance, engineering, supply, project management, and weapon system integrator workforce to Defence,” Ms Price said.
“This partnership continues to recognise Boeing’s commitment and performance in supporting these Air Force capabilities.
“Australian industry workforce is vital to the ongoing sustainment and regular upgrades critical to the Super Hornet and Growler capabilities.”
More than 90 per cent of the Air Combat and Electronic Attack Sustainment Contract is being delivered by Australian industry by 230 Boeing Defence Australia and sub‑contractor personnel, based in Ipswich.
The RAAF has 24 F/A-18F Super Hornets and 11 EA-18G Growlers operated out of RAAF Base Amberley.
The aircraft are tied in with the US Navy spiral development program, ensuring the platforms keep their capability edge.
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