New hub aims to grow Australia's share of the $50bn aerospace market

META, a collaborative network of engaged manufacturing businesses and researchers, together with Aviation/Aerospace Australia (A/AA) has launched the META National Commercial Aerospace Hub. The hub is expected to provide a significant boost for Australia’s manufacturers from various sectors by allowing them to take advantage of a growing demand in the commercial aviation market.

According to figures presented at the launch of the hub, Australia has about 800 companies in the aerospace sector generating annual turnover of about $4 billion. The new hub is aimed at increasing Australia’s share of the $50 billion industry.

META Managing Director Zoran Angelkovski said commercial aircraft production volumes are set to double in the next 15 years. “The hub’s central goal is to facilitate connections between Australian manufacturers, researchers and industry experts to take advantage of huge untapped opportunities within the global aerospace market,” he said.

A/AA Deputy Chairman Paul Fox noted, “Australia has the right skills, abilities and regulatory standards to capitalise in the aviation sector. Our manufacturers have a strong ability to innovate, solve complex problems and provide solutions for this burgeoning market.”

The hub is also expected to absorb some of the skilled workforce made redundant by the automotive industry.