The company owned by Hugh and Monique Acton-Adams had humble origins with a small scale operation based in the Mitta Valley a decade ago.

They operate two helicopters with a third in the wings and carry out aerial agriculture work between Melbourne and Bathurst.

RSA also assists in firefighting, powerline inspection and surveys and charter work with its headquarters based on the edge of Albury Airport.

The official opening was attended by Australian entrepreneur Dick Smith, member for Farrer Sussan Ley and Albury councillors including Alice Glachan, Graham Docksey and Henk van de Ven.

Mr Acton-Adams is originally from a farming family in New Zealand and gained flying experience in Victoria, NSW and Tasmania before starting up RSA.

He is also the company’s chief pilot.

“It is a big step moving here,” Mr Acton-Adams said.

“It is a good thing for Albury and our employees.

“In the hills, helicopters are very important because they can get into spots aeroplanes can’t and they also help reduce drift.”

All its pilots have a Civil Aviation Safety Authority agriculture pilots licence.

Ms Ley, who is also a pilot, welcome RSA’s expansion into Albury.

“A small business has invested money, time and resources into providing a fantastic service for famrers,” she said.

Mr Smith said he gladly accepted the invitation from Ms Ley to be at the official opening when he heard an aviation company was expanding.

“I love Australia and I think we should be the general aviation capital of the world,” he said.

“We should have flying training and people coming from overseas to fly here in Australia.

“This hangar cost over $1 million and it is all going to go towards primary production.

“I’ve always said the Chinese are going to make all the electronics, but we should grow all the food.