In a recent ceremony to open the New South Wales Police Aviation Command’s new headquarters at Sydney’s Bankstown Airport. Aviation Commander, Superintendent Matt Appleton, hosted NSW Police Commissioner Mick Fuller and NSW Minister for Police and Emergency Services, David Elliott, and officially opened the new facility during a COVID-safe ceremony and plaque unveiling.

Established in 1979, the Aviation Command was initially based at Sydney’s Kingsford-Smith Airport before relocating to Bankstown Airport in 1991, where it was housed in three World War II hangars. As the fleet has grown, its operational requirements exceeding the capability of the previous base.

The new facility integrates hangar, maintenance, operations, training and administration functions in a single stand-alone building, with a superior location, layout and design for an effective State Emergency Response centre. The fleet currently consists of five helicopters and three fixed wing aircraft. Additionally, the force maintains responsibility for 130 drones, all of which provide aerial policing services across an area of 300,000 square miles.

The new headquarters has a total development area of 25,000 square-metres, incorporating:
* Two levels of operational and administration office space, including pilot stand-down facilities
* Engineering facilities, including a heavy maintenance area and spray paint booth
* Helicopter winch simulator
* ‘FLIR’ simulator room
* CASA-approved training/proficiency/currency facilities
* Taxiways and aprons
* Parking and loading areas
* Dog-friendly facilities, including rest area (for joint operations with the Dog Unit)