 In 1989, the Australian Government employed the Hercules and Boeing 707s for transport during the pilots'dispute that curtailed operations by the two domestic airlines; the resulting spike in operational hours necessitated No. 486 Squadron sending detachments to several locations throughout the country to cope with increased maintenance demands. In May 1993, squadron personnel accompanied Hercules and 707s transporting Australian troops from Somalia after they had taken part in United Nations humanitarian operations. By the mid-1990s, No. 486 Squadron's strength was over 400 personnel. One of its challenges was the availability of spare parts for the Boeing's ageing Pratt & Whitney JT3D engines. Qantas undertook heavier maintenance of the 707s at its jet base in Mascot. Other depot-level maintenance of No. 86 Wing aircraft was the responsibility of No. 503 Wing, which had been formed from No. 2 Aircraft Depot in July 1992. No. 486 Squadron was disbanded in October 1998, after transferring its functions to Nos. 36 and 37 Squadrons.
