During 2008, the Heavy Air Lift Project completed training of the full initial squadron of pilots, loadmasters and maintenance personnel. Specialist equipment, training and logistics support were also put in place for a high-dependency patient Aero-Medical Evacuation capability, which has been successfully used in operations since September 2008. Attainment of a C-17 Airdrop capability is occurring as planned, with several successful airdrop trials conducted in 2008-09 and certification now being finalised.
The project is within budget and on schedule to deliver remaining self-protection improvements, training devices, specialist role equipment and mature support arrangements. FOC will be achieved when mature C-17 facilities have been established. This is anticipated to occur by 2011.