Defence has awarded a 12 year contract to General Electric International Incorporated (GEII) to provide all support for the engines powering the Australian Defence Force’s (ADF) F/A-18A/B Hornet and soon to be acquired F/A-18F Super Hornet aircraft.

The Minister for Defence, The Hon. Joel Fitzgibbon MP, said that the new contract will save in excess of $20m and provide ongoing opportunities for a workforce of approximately 150 in south-east Queensland.

“I am pleased to announce that a substantial proportion of the engine support work will be performed at RAAF Base Amberley in south-east Queensland over the next decade.

“The awarding of the contract to GEII ensures ongoing employment opportunities in the local Amberley area while providing the best value for money for the Australian taxpayer,” Minister Fitzgibbon said.

GEII, with major support from Australian companies Tasman Aviation Enterprises and Goodrich Control Systems Australia, will support the two engine fleets for their planned ADF service lives.