Qantas regional pilot academy launched in Toowoomba

A REGIONAL Queensland airport has fought off competition from seven others around the country to secure the first Qantas-run facility of its kind, and it’s set to generate more than 500 jobs as a result.

QANTAS will launch its first regional pilot academy in Toowoomba in a major coup for Queensland.

Based at Wellcamp Airport, construction on the new academy is set to start next month with new recruits to begin their training by mid-2019.

The facility will train up to 250 pilots every year and include a new hangar, classroom facilities and accommodation for students, and will create 160 jobs in training and support roles.

Up to 100 jobs will be created through the construction process, as well as 300 jobs in the wider construction industry.

Wellcamp Airport in Toowoomba will be home to the first Qantas regional pilot academy. Picture: Glenn Hunt/The Australian

Toowoomba was among eight other towns vying for the academy, with Mackay still on the short list for a potential second academy.

Qantas Group CEO Alan Joyce said many of the airlines new recruits would begin their careers at the academy.

“Toowoomba will be an amazing place to learn to fly,” he said.

“It’s home to Australia’s newest airport and offers over 300 days of Queensland sunshine each year and an environment that is textbook for pilot training.

“We’ve already had many students express their interest in moving to Toowoomba for this pilot training.”

The investment in new infrastructure is expected to be worth $35 million.

Premier Annastacia Palaszczuk said the new academy was evidence of her government’s commitment to attracting job creating industries.

“The Q in Qantas stands for Queensland and it’s clear that home is where Qantas’ heart is,” she said.

Uncongested airspace, a significant portion of clear weather days per year and the ability to attract students were among the selection criteria considered when choosing the academy’s site.