Federal Member for Hume Angus Taylor has praised the pioneering spirit of Cowra’s Brumby Aircraft in a speech today in Parliament.

Outlining the company’s contract for a 40 year joint venture with Chinese aviation giant AVIC, Mr Taylor said the company had pursued its dream with precision and pride.

“We need more pioneers like Brumby Aircraft. While other companies shrug their shoulders, Brumby realised that Asia was the focus.

“This is where Australia sees its trading future, particularly in China, and I am delighted a local firm from my electorate is stepping up to show other companies the way forward.”

Mr Taylor said a key pillar of the agreement was the sale of 280 small aircraft to AVIC and an additional 80 aircraft to Australia and New Zealand. He said next steps for Brumby involved establishment of a worldwide company Fujian Brumby Aircraft Manufacturing Company Ltd.

“I know director Paul Goard has been finalising details of the main contract, since the July signing ceremony in Sydney. This is a mammoth undertaking for a family company.

“In a couple of months, team leaders from China will be arriving in Cowra to study the design of the aircraft known as the 610 Evolution. The planes will be used primarily for flight training for pilots. Much of the design will stay local, as will some of the manufacture.

"I commend Brumby for keeping and creating jobs here in Cowra - their workforce is set to quadruple in coming years – and investing in the future of the region.

“It may be as early as late 2014 that their first aircraft makes its way to China.”

Caption: Federal Member for Hume Angus Taylor with Brumby Aircraft Director Phil Goard taking a close look at the aircraft being sold to China.