Communication is critical for aircraft safety, particularly in non-controlled environments such as Shellharbour Airport. Photo: CASA.
Shellharbour Airport is set for take-off, securing a $1.72 million funding boost to build a new aviation hub expected to create up to 100 Illawarra jobs and turbocharge the region’s training and tourism industries.
Funded by the NSW Government, the project will see flight training and maintenance company Performance Aviation construct a purpose-built maintenance hangar and pilot training academy to transform the airport into a growing powerhouse for aviation, engineering and skydiving.
Performance Aviation will match the funds, bringing the total investment into the project to $3.42 million.
It’s anticipated to support up to 100 direct and indirect jobs for the region during the delivery and beyond, ranging from flight instruction and parachute packing roles to engineering and administration.
Experience Co CEO John O’Sullivan said Performance Aviation had called Shellharbour Airport home for more than 25 years, providing aircraft maintenance services to operators across Australia.
Mr O’Sullivan said the government’s support would enable the development of a purpose-built skydiving and aviation hub – Hangar 6.
The new hangar will provide expert pilot training and maintenance services to aviators, aircraft owners and operators around the world, while developing career pathways for locals.
It will also be used to establish a Skydive Australia hub, which is expected to attract valuable tourism business to the region and boost its economy.
“It represents an exciting new chapter for our two divisions, Performance Aviation and Skydive Australia, enabling us to continue investing in local employment, retaining highly skilled talent within the Illawarra, and delivering the specialised training programs that the aviation industry needs,” he said.
“Together, we are proud to work with government and community partners to strengthen regional aviation and adventure tourism, while creating pathways for the next generation of Australian aviation professionals.”
Minister for Agriculture and Regional NSW Tara Moriarty said the project was a win for boosting Illawarra jobs, aviation training, and for regional NSW.
“This investment will help Performance Aviation continue to deliver high-quality, safe and compliant aircraft maintenance services, while creating new career pathways for young people in the Illawarra and beyond, training the next generation of aviation professionals,” Ms Moriarty said.
“This is exactly the kind of project our Regional Development Trust Fund is designed to support, one that delivers long-term benefits for regional communities.”
The Performance Aviation team works on a range of aircraft, including turboprop, piston fixed-wing and helicopters, and is recognised nationally for its specialist work on C208 Caravan aircraft.
It employs more than 25 engineering staff at its Shellharbour workshop and operates additional facilities in Mareeba, Queensland and Wanaka, New Zealand.
The new hanger will also support the Australia Jump Pilot Academy – an Illawarra established flight training organisation recently recognised as CASA’s Flight Training Business of the Year – by providing enhanced training facilities and turboprop endorsements.
In addition to the training academy, the project will establish a Skydive Australia business hub, including a parachute rigging and repair facility, further broadening the aviation services available at Shellharbour Airport.
Minister for the Illawarra and South Coast Ryan Park said the airport had long been a cornerstone of the region’s aviation capability, and this investment cemented its future as a powerhouse for jobs, skills and innovation.
“This is exactly the kind of industry-backed growth that strengthens our economy, creates real opportunities, and showcases the Illawarra as a region with an ever-growing economy,” Mr Park said.
Member for Shellharbour Anna Watson said by expanding capacity to service aircraft and support aviators, it was strengthening the backbone of local, regional, and international aviation.
“The hangar isn’t just about general aviation — it’s about creating unforgettable experiences for skydivers over our pristine coastline that will put this region on the map for adrenaline lovers,” Ms Watson said.
Member for Kiama Katelin McInerney said the funding delivered practical support for the volunteers, workers and innovators who kept regional communities thriving.
“Whether it’s improving safety on the water, growing advanced manufacturing or boosting tourism, these projects will have a lasting impact across the Illawarra and Shoalhaven,” Ms McInerney said.
