Air Fab to export aircraft access stands

A Victorian small business has been awarded a $3.2 million contract with the US Navy to deliver 22 specialised work stands that give technicians safe access to the navy’s P-8A Poseidon Maritime Patrol aircraft.

The Ferntree Gully company will also manufacture eight work stands for the Royal Australian Air Force P-8A Poseidons.

The work stands are purpose built and allow technicians to access the P-8A Wide-Band Satellite Communication station, and to safely conduct fuselage inspections without overextending themselves.

AirFab manufactures a wide range of aluminium access platforms, ladder platforms and workstands for customers including the RAAF, Qantas, Jetstar, Virgin and Stramit & Bristow.

Its specialised stands can be flat-packed for ease of transport.

Minister for defence industry Melissa Price said the contract with AirFab was a result of cooperation between the Royal Australian Air Force and the US Navy.

Price said: “These work stands are designed to withstand harsh environments like those experienced at forward operating bases, and have integrated safety features to protect personnel.”

The minister’s media release said the steel and aluminium used was sourced from local manufacturers.

Picture: Air Fab

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