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ACE 2026 - September 8th

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Textron at Essendon Fields is primed for action
The new facility doubles the footprint of Textron Aviation's previous Essendon Fields operation to more than 35,000 sq ft and is designed to support more than 1,400 Cessna, Beechcraft and Hawker aircraft.
Textron Australia general manager Zaki Abu Ghazaleh, Essendon Fields CEO Brendan Pihan, Textron senior VP Brian Rohloff, VP of international service centres Stefan Wenger, Essendon Fields COO Paul Keleher and Textron VP Sergio Lopez.

Textron's new service facility at Essendon Fields airport in Melbourne is now open for customers, expanding factory-direct support for Cessna, Beechcraft and Hawker customers across Australia and the Asia-Pacific region. The purpose-built facility strengthens Textron Aviation's global service network and reflects the company's long-term commitment to expanding capacity and enhancing customer support throughout aircraft ownership.

“We've supported customers in Australia for decades, and we continue to invest where our customers tell us they need more capacity and faster access to factory direct expertise,” explains Brian Rohloff, senior vice president, global customer support, Textron Aviation. “The Essendon Fields facility is a significant investment in a highly important region, strengthening our service network and expanding service capability, parts access and technical support across Australia and the Asia Pacific region.”

The new facility more than doubles the footprint of Textron Aviation's previous Essendon Fields operation to more than 35,000 sq ft and is designed to support the more than 1,400 Cessna, Beechcraft and Hawker aircraft operating across the Asia Pacific region. Developed on the basis of customer feedback, the location features expanded space for servicing aircraft to help reduce downtime, an on-site Textron Aviation parts stockroom to improve parts availability and a more comfortable customer lounge for use while aircraft are being serviced.

The Essendon Fields service centre complements Textron Aviation's broader investment strategy to strengthen regional support across Australia, alongside recent facility expansions and upgrades in Perth. Located at one of Australia's most established aviation hubs, the new facility also reflects close collaboration with Essendon Fields Airport to support the continued growth of business aviation and aircraft maintenance in the region.

“Our investment in the new Textron Aviation service centre underscores Essendon Fields' commitment to building Australia's most capable and connected business aviation precinct,” comments Brandan Pihan, CEO, Essendon Fields. “As the closest airport to the Melbourne CBD, Essendon Fields is the most convenient choice for business aviation customers. Textron Aviation's long-term commitment ensures the retention of skilled jobs and service capability at Essendon. It also advances our Airport Master Plan by consolidating operations on the main airfield, improving safety and efficiency, and responds to strong demand for new hangar space.”

Textron will host a formal grand opening event for the Essendon Fields service facility in August, inviting members of the media, customers and community leaders to officially mark the opening of the site. Additional details will be shared closer to the celebration.

Textron Aviation, through its Beechcraft and Cessna brands, is renowned for its unrivalled global service network dedicated to complete life-cycle support. In addition to its expansive company-owned footprint, its customers have access to a global network of more than 300 authorised service facilities. Textron also offers a mobile support programme featuring more than 40 mobile service units and on-site service technicians and support.

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