Boeing celebrates new milestone in South Australia

Originally established in 2015 to support the introduction into service of the RAAF’s Boeing-built P-8A Poseidon maritime patrol aircraft, the South Australian operation has expanded to take on a strategically important role for BDA nationally.

In addition to a growing team of close to 120 employees at RAAF Base Edinburgh providing sustainment services to the P-8A fleet, BDA employs more than 140 people in the Adelaide CBD who support many Boeing programs, including the world-leading E-7A “Wedgetail” Airborne Early Warning and Control platform and the Wakulda air battle management system.

BDA works on some of the most challenging and complex defence and aerospace programs in the country, according to Scott Carpendale, BDA vice-president and managing director.

“Our Adelaide office was established to provide a base of operations for a skilled workforce to support BDA nationally.

“It provides proximity to nationally-significant defence projects which are boosted by the state government’s investment in defence industry and innovation, as well as access to a fantastic talent pool.

“BDA has worked closely with Defence SA to establish an enduring role in South Australia, and the achievement of this key milestone firmly demonstrates our commitment to support both the state of South Australia and our ADF customer,” Carpendale said.

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South Australian Premier Steven Marshall congratulated BDA on their rapid expansion in South Australia, with their employee milestone reached ahead of schedule.

“Boeing’s expansion success further enhances our state’s defence credentials and serves as proof that South Australia is an ideal place to invest, with a business environment that ensures sustainable growth.”

“Boeing continues to play an important role in South Australia’s defence industry by creating exciting job opportunities for highly skilled workers in the defence and research sector and delivering enhanced capability for Defence now and into the future,” Premier Marshall said.

The news comes after BDA was awarded a $60 million contract by the Commonwealth government for the provision of deeper maintenance services to the Royal Australian Air Force’s P-8A Poseidon fleet.

This is expected to involve the delivery of major maintenance, repair, and overhaul (MRO) work and spiral upgrades, including developing digital sustainment capability at RAAF Base Edinburgh.

“We expect the contract will necessitate around 37 additional South Australian jobs from the outset and the engagement of multiple local businesses, and that these numbers will increase over time,” BDA director of commercial derivative aircraft Darryn Fletcher, said.

BDA is scheduled to deliver deeper maintenance services on the first RAAF P-8A Poseidon in July 2022 following six years of service.

The new activities are also expected to create local opportunities for the sustainment of other P-8 Poseidon fleets around the world.

Written by Nastasha Tupas.