Melbourne is more than just a cultural capital—it’s a rapidly growing hub for aerospace innovation. From global powerhouses to nimble startups, the city hosts a thriving ecosystem dedicated to making aviation safer, smarter, and more sustainable. With a robust manufacturing sector, access to a highly skilled workforce, and strong ties to local research institutions, Melbourne is poised to lead the way in the next era of aerospace development. Whether it’s electric propulsion, military aircraft, or drone logistics, these standout companies are helping to shape the future of flight. Here’s a look at some of the top aerospace companies headquartered or operating in Melbourne, each contributing uniquely to the industry.
Boeing
As the largest global aerospace company, Boeing has a powerful presence in Melbourne, where it supports both commercial and defense aviation. With more than 10,000 aircraft in service worldwide, Boeing’s capabilities span far beyond airframes—it also delivers advanced aviation software, IT systems, and digital tools designed to streamline maintenance and operational efficiency for aerospace clients.
In Melbourne, Boeing is deeply involved in R&D and local manufacturing. The company collaborates with Australian universities and research institutions to develop next-gen aerospace technologies, including autonomous systems and sustainability-focused solutions. Boeing’s long-standing investment in local talent and innovation makes it a cornerstone of the city’s aerospace ecosystem.
Lockheed Martin
Lockheed Martin is another global aerospace and defense leader making waves in Melbourne. Known for building some of the most iconic military aircraft in history, including the F-16 Fighting Falcon and the P-3 Orion, the company brings cutting-edge expertise to everything from surveillance systems to flight training platforms.
In Melbourne, Lockheed Martin supports national defense capabilities through local partnerships, manufacturing projects, and technical services. The company is committed to bolstering sovereign industry capability and works with Australian suppliers to deliver mission-critical technologies and maintain Australia’s strategic edge in aerospace defense.
Amazon Web Services (AWS)
While Amazon is widely recognized for its e-commerce empire, its subsidiary Amazon Web Services (AWS) is making an impact in Melbourne’s aerospace scene. AWS supports aerospace and satellite operations through cloud infrastructure, offering tools for data storage, IoT connectivity, AI-based drone navigation, and mission-critical analytics.
In the aerospace domain, AWS enables smarter, faster operations by helping organizations leverage the cloud for simulation, real-time data processing, and remote monitoring. Aerospace firms in Melbourne use AWS to enhance efficiency, innovate at scale, and optimize complex flight and satellite systems through advanced computing capabilities.
Kite Magnetics
Born out of cutting-edge research at Monash University, Kite Magnetics is an innovative aerospace tech company redefining electric propulsion. The company develops nanocrystalline stator cores, which significantly boost electric motor efficiency while reducing size and weight—a game-changer for small aircraft.
With its revolutionary core materials, Kite Magnetics addresses two key challenges in electric aviation: energy loss and operational costs. Its ultra-light components make sustainable, electric-powered flight more viable by enabling smaller, more efficient aircraft designs. This makes the company a standout in Melbourne’s sustainability-driven aerospace sector.
Swoop Aero
Swoop Aero is a logistics company with wings—literally. Headquartered in Melbourne, it operates drone fleets that deliver essential goods across six continents. Swoop’s operations begin with digital twinning and extend to complete drone fleet deployment, serving regions with limited infrastructure and challenging access.
What sets Swoop apart is its humanitarian mission. It partners with organizations like UNICEF and USAID to deliver medical supplies, vaccines, and urgent aid where it’s needed most. With scalable, end-to-end drone logistics solutions, Swoop Aero showcases how Melbourne’s aerospace innovators are solving global problems from the sky down.
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