Australia is a key market for Airbus with a presence dating back for more than 40 years. Our customers in Australia have affirmed their confidence in Airbus’ civil aircraft, defence, space and helicopter products time and again.
Commercial Aircraft
Most recently, Qantas confirmed their trust with the milestone order for its future fleet comprising the A350, A321XLR and A220. Airbus is also investing in a joint Sustainable Aviation Fuel partnership with Qantas, designed to help develop the SAF industry in Australia. Qantas Group low cost subsidiary Jetstar has a fleet of over 50 Airbus A320 Family aircraft for operations on its domestic and international network. Local airline Virgin Australia also operates Airbus A330 aircraft as part of its fleet.
Helicopters
In the helicopter market, Australia is an important market for its civil and parapublic helicopter product lines with over 300 aircraft, operating on a wide range of missions including private and corporate services, emergency medical services and law enforcement.
Defence
In Defence, the Royal Australian Air Force (RAAF) is operating a fleet of A330 Multi Role Transport Tanker (MRTT) aircraft. Airbus currently supports the military helicopters for the Australian Army, along with MRO support across fixed wing fleets operated by the RAAF.
Space
In Australia, Airbus is connecting with new frontiers in Space by creating an ecosystem in the local Space industry. With proven capabilities in Space technology, Airbus are bringing our global experience to the local industry to help build a sovereign solution for Australia, by Australia.
Local industry
Airbus also has a long and successful industrial footprint in Australia which includes maintenance, repair and overhaul centres for civil and military fixed wing and rotary aircraft. This presence has made a direct contribution to the local economies, built regional aerospace capabilities and created high-value jobs in the aviation industry. With 1,200 employees across the country in various locations, the Airbus teams are ready to support customers.
Airbus’ operations in Australia are located at Brisbane, Canberra, and Sydney.
News from the region
Pitch Black 2022: Behind the Scenes of Operation Rapid Pacific 2022
12,800 kilometres in 24 hours from Germany to Singapore, deployment of 6 Eurofighter, 4 A400M and three A330 MRTT and 250 service members to Australia.
These impressive facts and figures stand for Operation Rapid Pacific 2022 of the German Air Force – the first-ever deployment with an “all Airbus” fleet of aircraft to participate in large scale military exercise with Australia and other international partner nations.