With one-third of all Australian Defence Force platforms powered by GE Aerospace-made engines, GE’s ongoing commitment to enabling Australian aviation with superior capabilities remains strong ahead of the 2023 Avalon Airshow.
The relationship between GE Aerospace and the ADF represents a longstanding strategic partnership. One of the most notable efforts of cooperation between GE and the force is the ADF’s F/A-18F and EA-18F fighters, both of which are powered by GE’s F-414-400 engines.
“We are extremely proud of our long-held presence and recent expansion in the country of Australia,” says Amy Gowder, president and CEO, Military Systems Operation, Avionics and Electric Power at GE Aerospace. “As a leader in aircraft engines, systems and avionics, we look forward to continuing to provide our Australian customers with superior capabilities.”
Australia recently announced plans to purchase 40 UH-60 Black Hawk helicopters, as well as a purchase of 29 AH-64E Apache attack helicopters, both of which are powered by GE’s T700-701D engines. The Royal Australian Navy is also slated to receive 12 MH-60R Seahawk helicopter – fitted with T700-401C turboshaft engines – by 2026.
Beyond enabling Australia’s fighter jets, CFM International – a 50/50 joint venture with GE Aerospace and Safran Aircraft Engines – powers several ADF platforms, including the Boeing E-7A, KC-30A, 737-700, and P-8As.
GE’s Expansion in Australia
GE Aerospace announced in fall 2022 the opening of a new state-of-the-art facility in Australia to expand support for customers across the Asia-Pacific region.
The new $8 million Asia-Pacific Service Centre at Brisbane Airport will be the largest GE Aerospace systems service center in the Asia-Pacific region. The facility supports avionics, flight management systems, electrical power and DOWTY propeller systems on various aircraft including the Boeing 737 and 787, De Havilland Q400 and Fokker F-50 regional aircraft, and the Royal Australian Air Force’s fleet of Lockheed C-130J Super Hercules and Alenia C-27J Spartan Military Transport Aircraft.
GE Aerospace in Australia
- GE Aerospace-Marine works under a multi-year contract to support the Royal Australian Navy’s LM2500 marine gas turbines that enable high speed for the surface vessels.
- GE Aerospace supplies commercial aircraft engines to several local carriers in the region, including Qantas, Jetstar, Air New Zealand, Virgin Australia, Regional Express, Alliance and Bonza.
- Strategic partnerships exist between GE Aerospace and Industry Leaders Asia Pacific Aerospace and TAE Aerospace, both of which support maintenance, repair, and overhaul services.
- Digital’s Aviation Software created by GE provides safety and sustainability monitoring for most carriers in Australia and New Zealand.
