Brisbane lands MRO Australasia 2020

Brisbane has landed the latest in a global series of aviation industry maintenance, repair and overhaul (MRO) events, further establishing Queensland as an aerospace industry leader.

Premier Annastacia Palaszczuk and Minister for State Development, Manufacturing, Infrastructure and Planning Cameron Dick today announced Brisbane to host MRO Australasia 2020, on March 11 and 12.

“We look forward to welcoming the inaugural MRO Australasia to Brisbane in 2020,” the Premier said.

“With Queensland's growing reputation as a major aviation hub of the Asia-Pacific, there is no better place in Australasia to discuss aircraft maintenance, repair and overhaul (MRO) than Queensland. Our state boasts considerable civil and military aviation strengths - our depth of capability, our world-class expertise and our strategic location.

“Queensland has long had a presence at MRO Asia-Pacific, the largest annual conference and exhibition in the region dedicated to the $28 billion aircraft maintenance, repair and overhaul market, and we are delighted to be hosting the first event entirely dedicated to the Australasian market.

“This is a huge win for Queensland and further demonstrates the Queensland Government’s commitment to increasing our share of the lucrative aircraft manufacturing and repair services industry.

“In 2015–16, Queensland’s aircraft manufacturing and repair businesses generated around $1.2 billion in revenue and contributed $565 million to Queensland’s economic growth, as well as providing over 4200 jobs across more than 300 enterprises.

“Hosting the event will accelerate growth in the sector, and help generate the high paid, sustainable jobs of the future.”

Like MRO Asia-Pacific, MRO Australasia will be run by Aviation Week Network. The organisation operates a worldwide series of MRO tradeshows that also includes events in the Americas, Europe and Middle East.

“Australia is a rapidly growing aviation hub and the aviation MRO industry is booming in the region,” said Greg Hamilton, President of Aviation Week Network.

“We are excited to bring our MRO event to the region. Our events are recognised as the premier industry conferences and exhibitions and we know that the response for MRO Australasia will be tremendous.”

Minister for State Development, Manufacturing, Infrastructure and Planning, Cameron Dick said MRO Australasia 2020 will draw the key industry players from the MRO sector and will highlight Brisbane and Queensland’s presence in the Asia-Pacific and Australasian regions as a major aviation hub with a robust aerospace industry.

“It gives us a phenomenal platform to leverage our location to grow export business from Australia and to attract international suppliers to set up offices and facilities within the state,” he said.

“The MRO industry has huge growth potential in the Asia Pacific region and this announcement is another example of the Palaszczuk Government working to deliver on this priority for Queensland.

“The aerospace industry has become a significant contributor to the state’s economy and we are now working to maximise further economic opportunities.”

ENDS

Media contact: Anika Hume 0447 320 039