Team AERO Wins C-130J Support Contract

With proven capability and experience in Deep Maintenance and Through-Life-Support (TLS) to large military fixed-wing aircraft, “Team Aero” members Australian Aerospace, Lockheed Martin and StandardAero have been selected as the contractors for the Through Life Support (TLS) of the RAAF’s fleet of C130J Hercules transports.

Air Vice Marshal Colin Thorne Head of Aerospace Systems Division today signed a contract to formalise the agreement with Team Aero at the Australian International Air Show in Avalon, Victoria.

Team Aero will undertake a five-year rolling contract with the Defence Materiel Organisation (DMO) through to life-of-type of the 12 C130Js to 2030.

Under the new arrangement, Australian Aerospace will work closely with the DMO, RAAF and partners Lockheed Martin and StandardAero, the latter being the current C130J engine maintenance provider.

Renewal of the five-year rolling contract will be linked to demonstrated performance and cost containment, with an eye to: improved delivery of services; performance-based, long-term, support arrangements; relationship with the Commonwealth; price disclosure; and meaningful transfer of risk.

“Team Aero members have the skills, proven track record and flexibility to provide an outstanding TLS solution,” said Australian Aerospace Chief Executive Officer, Dr. Jens Goennemann.

“Australian Aerospace has been providing Deep Maintenance and TLS services to the RAAF’s fleet of Orion AP-3C reconnaissance aircraft since 1993 and the Caribou medium-lift transport aircraft throughout its service life, demonstrating it has the experience to deliver outstanding value for money to the Commonwealth,” Dr. Goennemann said.

“The award of the C130J contract shows the confidence our customers have in our capabilities,” said Chris Antone, Vice President Business Development Global Sustainment Lockheed Martin Aeronautics. “We are excited about this partnership with Team Aero and we look forward to delivering a capability that will meet the needs of the Commonwealth and the Royal Australian Air Force.”

“StandardAero is pleased to be part of Team Aero and have the opportunity to continue its support to the RAAF C130J fleet as part of the TLS Service Agreement,” said Harinder Grewal, StandardAero Senior Vice President for Military and Government. “Our expertise in the propulsion system will deliver real value to Team Aero.”

Valued at $292 million the C130J TLS program will provide long term employment opportunities in western Sydney across technical and professional disciplines.