GippsAero Recommencing Manufacturing in Latrobe City 

GippsAero Recommencing Manufacturing in Latrobe City 

GippsAero is set to become the only Australian commercial aircraft manufacturer – operating right here in Latrobe City! 

GippsAero is locally owned by the Morgan family, who first started manufacturing aircraft over 30 years ago. What started as passion and interest in the aircraft industry has grown into a reliable manufacturer, delivering high quality, reliable aircraft to clients across Australia and around the world. 

The team has recommenced manufacturing the GA8 Airvan at Latrobe Regional Airport in Morwell. This will be the first time the Airvan has been manufactured in five years.  

The announcement in June 2025, is significant for Latrobe City and the rest of Australia. The team have already increased their revenue to $5.9 million, with over $1 million of this already invested back into the Victorian economy. 

So, what’s involved in manufacturing commercial aircraft? The team has a huge hangar at the Latrobe Regional Airport where they design, produce, and assemble the aircraft.  

Of course, there’s a lot of people involved in an operation like this. GippsAero began 18 months ago with seven people and now they’re at 43 employees and they only have about a third of the people they need for production. 

This will be a huge boost for local jobs, innovation and the local economy – putting Latrobe City on the map as a hub for advanced air manufacturing and regional aviation. 

What an achievement from GippsAero this is and proof that big things can come from small places. 

Production of the Airvan will start in June and the first customer deliveries are expected next year.