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View Full Version : Sale of the first NT-built Albatross G-111T


AnotherFSO
2nd Aug 2022, 04:37
I thought there was already a thread about this aircraft type, but I can't find it.

Press release from the NT Chief Minister:New Territory Industry Takes Flight with Purchase of First Plane2 August 2022

The first Albatross G-111T to be built in the Northern Territory – and Australia – has been purchased by an interstate investor.

Australian entrepreneur Steve Baxter today signed a contract of purchase to buy an amphibious aircraft.

Today’s historic purchase follows the recent signing between Amphibian Aerospace Industries (AAI) who will manufacture planes in Darwin, and ShinMaywa, an established aircraft manufacturer in Japan, confirming a partnership to develop an amphibian aircraft manufacturing hub at Darwin Aviation Manufacturing Precinct.

Manufacturing of these aircraft in Darwin is due to commence after the modified version has been certified with the first plane set to be complete by 2026.

Local Territory companies will benefit from the manufacturing of the G-111T Albatross, with the Territory Government facilitating a collaboration agreement between AAI and 15 other signatories.

Signatories to date include SPEE3D, Nupress, Heat Treatment Australia, Dassault Systemes and Airport Development Group (ADG).

In addition, the Territory Aviation Skills Centre, the Chamber of Commerce Northern Territory (NT), Industry Capability Network NT, Australia's Nuclear Science and Technology Organisation, Paspalis Innovation Investment Fund, the Advanced Manufacturing Growth Centre NT and the Territory Government are signatories to the agreement.

The Territory Labor Government has committed $10 million through the Local Jobs Fund to build upgraded versions of the Albatross amphibious aircraft in Darwin.

Once established in the Territory, AAI will generate extensive value to the NT economy with the company forecasting annual revenue of over $100 million by the end of the decade.

Quotes from Chief Minister Natasha Fyles:

“The Northern Territory is Australia’s best investment right now.

“This signing is another significant step forward in what will be a long-term creator of highly-skilled jobs in the Northern Territory.

“This exciting venture will create hundreds of jobs and upskilling opportunities for Territorians, while also injecting millions into our economy.”

Quotes from Khoa Hoang – Chairman Amphibian Aircraft Holdings Group:

“We are very happy that Albatross Serial Number 1 will go to an Australian”

“Steve Baxter is not only an entrepreneur but is also an avid aviator and we are very pleased that he is our first deposit paid customer.”

Quotes from Investor, Steve Baxter:

“The G-111T is an incredible platform, it will enable flexible access to amazing places across the globe, and in comfort. All the better that it will be made in Australia. Well done to Khoa and the awesome team at Amphibian Aerospace Industries, exciting to be on this journey with them.”

Australopithecus
2nd Aug 2022, 05:20
Is that thing a complete new build? I always liked the look of the Albatross.

runway16
4th Aug 2022, 01:29
Do I recall that this machine was due to be built at Warnervale, NSW?
Then that went all quiet and now the build location is next to be Darwin.
What happened to the Warnervale proposal?

KRviator
4th Aug 2022, 06:19
Yes, it was supposed to be Warnervale.

As to what happened - the same Council that managed to set a record-breaking half billion dollar deficit decided to go back on their word to redevelop Warnervale.Administrator, Dick Persson, has confirmed that the cost to Central Coast Council to break its Warnervale airport agreement with Amphibian Aerospace Industries (AAI) was less than $1.5M.

Persson had asked Chief Financial Officer, Natalia Cowley, to ask the company if Council could make public the cost which had been commercial-in-confidence. The company was okay with the disclosure as long as it was pointed out that the payment merely covered its costs and was not a profit payment.

Council breached its contract with AAI, which is why it paid to allow AAI to recover its costs. Amphibian Aerospace Industries announced in October 2016 that it would move its headquarters to Central Coast Airport at Warnervale. It signed an agreement with the then Wyong Council, witnessed by the then NSW Premier, Mike Baird.

The airport was going to be developed into a general aviation hub and regular passenger transport airport.

Under the terms of the AAI lease, Council agreed to relocate Jack Grant Ave and associated services to include a 5.2ha site into the aviation hub landholding. More than a dozen other organisations showed interest in moving their businesses to the general aviation hub.

Then, in October 2017, the newly elected Council decided to not proceed with the airport plans to expand.....Source (https://coastcommunitynews.com.au/central-coast/news/2021/04/broken-agreement-cost-ratepayers-1-5m/)