Airflite

Profile > Company Background

Airflite Pty Ltd was established in 1981 as a private company, specialising in Aircraft Sales, Maintenance and some pilot training. Airflite's primary capability in the formative years was as a Cessna accredited Aircraft Sales and Maintenance organisation.

By 1987 the Company sought about seeking diversified business within the aviation sector, improving quality standards, procedures and maintenance practices, as well as expanding to Aircraft Product Support for external customers as well as for the maintenance division. This was partly due to Cessna's decision to stop producing new aircraft due to litigation issues in the USA.

This improved commitment to quality and standards led to some deeper maintenance activities for the Royal Australian Air Force (RAAF) Pilatus PC9/A aircraft at Jandakot Airport in 1991. At that time all maintenance of the military trainer (the PC9) was conducted 'in-house' by the RAAF. This small involvement led to Airflite being successful in securing the Contract for the maintenance of the entire PC9/A fleet at No. 2 Flight Training School at Pearce and the Central Flying School at East Sale in 1994. For a then 20 person Company this was a major achievement, beating out competition from internal RAAF and larger companies.

This contract initially led to an intake of 110 new personnel across the country, and signified major growth and diversification for the Company. Over the ensuing years, Airflite renewed the Contract numerous times, eventually securing the Life of Type Contract in 2006. Along the way the Defence business expanded to include support of the BAE Hawk via BAE Systems, the establishment of specialised structural capabilities in 2004, dry lease of 4 King Airs to the RAAF for navigational training in 1998, Deeper Maintenance of Repairable Items Contract in 2003 and various other modification and refurbishment programs in support of these various commitments.

The civilian side of the business also expanded during these years, as our new found diversity in both market sectors gained a boost when Cessna began producing new aircraft again in the mid-90s. The Company third party maintenance work and capability had increased significantly, as had our Product Support with an additional branch in Victoria, and in Aircraft Sales with near new or used sales. In January of 2004 Airflite acquired the assets, trading name and most importantly the staff of Skycraft Electronics to established a market leading avionics sales, repair and installation capability. This also had a significant effect on the Repairable Items Contract.

Current Business

The Company now employs approximately 270 staff across 6 locations (Jandakot, Perth, RAAF Pearce, Moorabbin, RAAF Sale, Williamtown). Airflite's broad capabilities now include Aircraft Sales, Maintenance, Product Support, Avionics, Structural Repair, Component Repair and Overhaul and Defence Contracting.

Throughout this steady growth the Company has maintained a personal feel with both clients and employees, matching increased capability and size with the service and individual care of a smaller organisation. This results in stablility and continuity for clients and partners alike.

The Future

Airflite continues to look forward to further growth opportunities in both civilian and defence sectors in Australia and abroad. The growth of the organisation will be controlled and carefully planned, and will focus on niche market capabilities where Airflite's commitment to quality and service can make a difference.