The Andrews Labor government has helped secure a research and development partnership between Monash University and Commercial Aircraft Corporation of China (COMAC) in a deal that will create 50 highly specialised new jobs and exciting opportunities for budding engineers in Victoria.
Premier Daniel Andrews announced the multi-million dollar agreement today during a tour of COMAC’s manufacturing centre in Shanghai, where he was given a preview of the world’s newest commercial passenger jet, the C919.
The research and development partnership will draw on Victorian expertise to help build the next generation of planes for China’s leading aerospace manufacturer.
The Monash Centre for Additive Manufacturing (MCAM) leads the way in the development of new 3D printed alloys that are designed to be lighter and stronger than other products, making aircraft safer and more efficient.
MCAM has already developed 29 of the components in the C919, which took its test flight last week. Today’s agreement will see COMAC and Monash University further their collaboration, designing specialised new alloys and metal 3D printed components.
The agreement will provide Monash students, researchers and academics opportunities for exchange, and talented COMAC engineers and executives will be able to undertake research in Victoria.
Victoria is well positioned to service China’s rapidly growing aviation and aerospace industry with more than 300 Victorian businesses currently supplying products and services to domestic and international defence markets, including the global supply chains of international defence contracts.
Victoria has the largest concentration of aerospace education and training facilities in the Asia Pacific region, with the industry employing more than 17,000 Victorian workers.
Quotes attributable to Premier Daniel Andrews
“Not only is this partnership with COMAC an exciting opportunity to promote our research and manufacturing capabilities on the world stage – it will also create 50 Victorian jobs.”
“The work being done at Monash is world leading and cements Victoria’s reputation as a global centre of excellence for the aviation and aerospace industries.”
Quotes attributable to Monash President and Vice-Chancellor Professor Margaret Gardner AO
“The Memorandum of Understanding opens up invaluable opportunities for Monash researchers and students to work on next generation COMAC projects.”
“Monash makes a tremendous contribution to the Australian economy through its global networks, world class research and education excellence. This agreement is welcome recognition of our ability to translate that expertise into real impact and benefit for Australia and our international partners.”
Reviewed 19 August 2020