New aerospace hub to allow Australian manufacturers to tap into global aerospace market

META, a collaborative network of engaged manufacturing businesses and researchers, together with Aviation/Aerospace Australia (A/AA), stated (07-Aug-2014) they would accelerate opportunities for Australia's manufacturing companies to capture their share of the commercial aerospace market with the launch of the META National Commercial Aerospace Hub. The National Commercial Aerospace Hub - launched at the CAPA Australia Pacific Aviation Summit on 07-Aug-2014 - is expected to provide a significant boost for Australia's manufacturers from various sectors by allowing them to take advantage of a growing demand in the commercial aviation market. The hub is also expected to absorb some of the skilled workforce made redundant by the automotive industry. MD Zoran Angelkovski said commercial aircraft production volumes are set to double in the next 15 years. He said, "The hub's central goal is to facilitate connections between Australian manufacturers, researchers and industry experts to take advantage of huge untapped opportunities within the global aerospace market". Cablex COO Heidi Krebs added, "Cablex has identified the commercial aerospace industry as an important market for growth and we have a flexible business model to respond to this growing market. We already work across the defence, rail, telecommunications, aviation industries - so commercial aerospace is a natural progression for us". Aviation/Aerospace Australia (A/AA) deputy chairman Paul Fox noted, "Australia has the right skills, abilities and regulatory standards to capitalise in the aviation sector. Our manufacturers have a strong ability to innovate, solve complex problems and provide solutions for this burgeoning market".