Building an aviation academy a good investment for the NT, Deloitte report finds

The NT can seize on the “substantial” need for highly skilled workers in the aviation industry by establishing a dedicated academy, with the group tasked with rebuilding our economy actively considering the option.

THE Northern Territory can seize on the “substantial” need for highly skilled workers in the aviation industry by establishing a dedicated academy, with the group tasked with rebuilding the economy actively considering the option.

A feasibility study by Deloitte and the NT’s Industry Skills Advisory Council into building an aviation training academy in the Territory, to be released today, has found the Territory could grow its private sector, skilled population and in turn its economy by building a much needed aviation training centre.

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Grounded aeroplanes which include Airbus A380s, Boeing MAX 8s and other smaller aircrafts are seen at the Asia Pacific Aircraft Storage facility on May 15, 2020 in Alice Springs, Australia. (Photo by Steve Strike/Getty Images)

Currently, people trying to become licensed aviation mechanical engineers have no choice but to fly to Cairns, in North Queensland.

The case for an NT aviation training academy is based on supporting the future growth of the aviation and aerospace industry, building stronger regional capability and ability to retain population for the NT, drive economic growth that support further training and education and preparing the NT for the “emerging” space industry.

Deloitte NT lead partner Karen Green said despite the current challenges presented by COVID-19 the aviation – particularly the general aviation sector – and aerospace industry was still expected to undertake significant growth in the next decade.

A previous study by ISAC NT found the aviation industry in the NT, including sectors like freight, supported 976 direct jobs.

She said economically, the NT “can’t afford” to not support development of its capability to build a skilled aviation workforce and reap the benefits.

“The aviation industry today is a lot different to what it was six months ago, however there is evidence that growth will still occur,” Ms Green said.

“The Territory is uniquely positioned to experience substantial growth within its regional aviation service and our findings suggest that demand for the development of a skilled workforce to support industry demands.”

An industry working group meeting will be held today to figure out what needs to happen next to progress the project, according to an NT Government spokesman.

The Territory Economic Reconstruction Commission, the team led by Darwin-born business mogul Andrew Liveris to make the NT the “comeback capital” of Australia, is looking at the proposal.

SAC NT general manager Debbie Paylor said a skills centre in Darwin would drive economic growth in the Territory.

“An aviation training academy in Darwin would … also contribute to building stronger regional capability and help to retain population for the Territory,” she said.