Cobham flying high on biggest aviation contract in Australian resources sector

THE biggest aviation contract in Australia's resources sector was launched today with Cobham Aviation starting flights to the Gorgon project.

The biggest aviation contract awarded in Australia's resources sector was launched today with Adelaide-based Cobham Aviation Services beginning flights to the massive Gorgon gas project off Western Australia.

The first BAe RJ100 jet - refurbished in Cobham's Adelaide Airport workshops - will fly between Perth, Karratha and Barrow Island off northwest WA.

The $170 million contract will involve Cobham for at least the next six years as the Gorgon project is constructed by energy giant Chevron and its partners.

"This is the largest fly in-fly out contract ever awarded in Australia," Cobham chief executive Peter Nottage said at a ceremony at the Perth Airport.

"This aircraft is the first of its type in Australia and has been specifically prepared for Chevron.

"This is a massive undertaking for Chevron and its partners and a critical program for the WA and Australian industry and economy. And we're proud to be involved."

The RJ100 is the first of two aircraft imported by Cobham and then stripped back and refurbished for the Gorgon service.

These will complement three existing BAe 146 aircraft to form a five-strong fleet.Heavy maintenance work for all five planes will be conducted in Adelaide.

Because Barrow Island is an environmentally sensitive nature reserve, the planes have unprecedented quarantine requirements.

The cabin, hold and crew uniforms have been designed for ease of cleaning and with minimal places where pest seeds, dust and insects can be transported onto the island.