Qantas Pilot Academy approved by Toowoomba Regional Council

THE Toowoomba Regional Council has approved the development application for the Qantas Pilot Academy at Wellcamp Airport.

Plans for the Qantas Pilot Training Academy at Wellcamp Airport. Picture: Tobi Loftus

THE Toowoomba Regional Council has approved the development application for the Qantas Pilot Academy at Wellcamp Airport.

The development was code assessable so it did not have to go to a vote.

Mayor Paul Antonio said the project would now be "ready to rock and roll".

"Naturally we are absolutely delighted to see that the academy is progressing to the construction phase as it is a project of regional, state and national significance," Cr Antonio said.

"When you look at what will happen, early estimates say it will create 100 direct jobs and, of course, during construction they are expecting 300 jobs."

The Qantas Academy will be built by Wagners.

"In true Wagners style it'll probably happen quite quickly," Cr Antonio said.

The academy is expected to open later this year, with the first intake of students being trained and housed at the University of Southern Queensland until construction is complete.

Qantas Group Pilot Academy executive manager Wes Nobelius welcomed the news.

"Together with the Wagners and the local community, we're making good progress on the development of our new Pilot Academy," Mr Nobelius said.

"We're looking forward to welcoming the first students to the Academy in September."

Originally published as Qantas Pilot Academy approved by Toowoomba Regional Council