Textron Aviation is expanding its presence in Australia with the construction of a larger service facility at Essendon Fields Airport in Melbourne. The new 3,343 sqm Hangar 83 will provide maintenance, repair and overhaul services for Beechcraft, Cessna and Hawker aircraft, significantly increasing the company’s capacity at the site.

Construction is scheduled to begin in March 2025, with operations expected to be fully functional by early 2026. The facility, located on the airport’s southern apron, is designed to improve operational efficiency by removing the need to use Essendon Fields’ jet-crossing. It will also employ 13 aircraft engineers, seven support staff and three apprentices.

Textron Aviation’s senior vice president, global customer support Brian Rohloff says: “Building this new facility to support the more than 1,400 aircraft operating in the APAC region demonstrates our commitment to providing the strongest combination of factory-direct maintenance and service solutions available for our customers. This investment will grow our capacity and help us to better assist customers with scheduled maintenance, modifications and aircraft-on-ground support.”

The expansion is part of a wider service investment in Australia, which also includes relocating to a larger facility at Jandakot Airport in Perth and adding an additional parts storage facility in Melbourne to expedite shipping.

Essendon Fields CEO Brendan Pihan welcomes Textron Aviation’s decision to increase its footprint at the airport, reinforcing its reputation as a centre for business jet operations and maintenance. “Essendon Fields is becoming known globally as Australia’s home for corporate aircraft, with around a third of the country’s business jets permanently domiciled here,” he says. “All this activity in the air is serviced by an ongoing investment into our airfield and in new facilities for aircraft maintenance, repair and overhaul, alongside space for aviation engineer training.”

Designed by Bruce Henderson Architects, the new facility will be near key amenities including Essendon Fields Central and Hyatt Place Hotel and Event Centre.