Textron Aviation has officially opened its new Melbourne Service Centre at Essendon Fields Airport, expanding its support for Beechcraft, Cessna and Hawker owners in Australia and the Asia-Pacific.
The 3343 m² facility, in Hangar 83 on the airport's Southern Apron, will handle maintenance, repair and overhaul for all three brands. Customers, industry partners and aviation leaders from more than 18 countries attended the opening.
Textron Aviation General Manager, Australia Service Centres, Zaki Abu Ghazaleh said the centre was an important milestone for the company's Australian support network.
"As customer demand continues to grow, this facility strengthens our ability to provide timely support, greater access to parts and OEM-backed expertise," he said. "Essendon Fields Airport has been an important part of our history in Australia, and our new facility positions us to better support customers today while preparing for the opportunities ahead."
The hangar is also part of Essendon Fields' long-term strategy to centralise aviation activity on the main airfield, which the airport says will support safer and more efficient operations.
Essendon Fields CEO Brendan Pihan said the new facility reflected the airport's long relationship with Textron Aviation.
"Essendon Fields Airport has evolved significantly over the years, and we've been proud to see businesses like Textron Aviation grow alongside us," he said. "Creating an environment where aviation businesses can succeed has always been an important part of our vision, and the addition of Hangar 83 is a great example of that in action."
The Melbourne centre adds to Textron Aviation's Australian service network, giving owners of Beechcraft, Cessna and Hawker aircraft OEM-backed support closer to home.