New Iraqi Air Force Flies Australian

Australia has supplied the first two aircraft to enter service in the new Iraqi Air Force, Trade Minister Mark Vaile said today.

"It is a remarkable achievement for a new Australian exporter, Hervey Bay's Seabird Aviation, to be involved in the fledgling stages of Iraq's Air Force," Mr Vaile said.

Mr Vaile first met with Seabird executives in December 2003, immediately following a visit to Baghdad to discuss the Iraq reconstruction effort with Iraqi interim ministers.

"I first became aware of Seabird on a visit to the Dubai Air Show in December last year and having seen the quality of its product was pleased to make representations on their behalf," he said.

"These aircraft will allow cost effective aerial surveillance of essential infrastructure in Iraq and timely reporting of potential terrorist threats.

"A third Seabird aircraft will be used to train Iraqi pilots and technicians in Amman, providing skills that will help the region rejuvenate in the wake of recent devastation ."

The SEEKER SB7L-360 aircraft will be used to survey pipelines, powerlines, road traffic and borders. They were produced by Seabird Aviation in Hervey Bay, Queensland, as part of a joint venture signed late last year between the company and Jordan's King Abdullah II Design and Development Bureau (KADDB).

Under the joint venture Seabird Aviation Jordan LLC looks set to provide around 100 Seeker surveillance aircraft over the next three years. The deal will create at least 20 new jobs for the Hervey Bay area.

Seabird's Principal, Don Adams, said the company had worked closely with Austrade and Tradestart staff over the past three years to secure the joint venture.

"We received great support and guidance as part of Austrade's New Exporter Development Program. We were coached by TradeStart in Bundaberg and strongly supported by Austrade Jordan," Mr Adams said.

Mr Vaile said that the deal demonstrated Australia's strong commitment to the Middle East.

"Seabird's success builds on Australia's already significant contribution to assisting the people of Iraq to rebuild their country. It is a win for both nations," he said.

Since the end of major hostilities last May, Australian companies have won contracts in Iraq for agriculture, environmental rehabilitation, electricity distribution, finance and economic policy.

Media contact: Matthew Doman (Minister's Office) + 61 2 6277 7420 or Jemima Lohse (Austrade) +61 2 9390 2703