Construction is now underway on Qantas Group’s new pilot academy at Toowoomba’s Wellcamp Airport in Queensland. This project is expected to support more than 400 direct and indirect jobs during its construction.
Minister for State Development Cameron Dick said that the new pilot academy is set to bring more highly skilled jobs as well as training and career opportunities to the Darling Downs region.
“Construction of hangar, classroom and student accommodation facilities at Toowoomba Wellcamp Airport will create up to 100 direct jobs over the construction period, as well as more than 300 in the broader construction sector.
“Beyond the construction phase, up to 160 ongoing jobs in training and support are expected as the academy scales up to its full capacity of 250 students with significant flow-on benefits for local businesses,” Mr Dick said.
Minister Dick added that the State Government has been actively supporting and advocating for regional Queensland ever since the announcement that Qantas will be building a pilot training academy at two regional sites.
“Support from the Palaszczuk Government’s $150 million Advance Queensland Industry Attraction Fund was integral to bringing this academy to the Darling Downs, and I know it will deliver a lasting contribution to the local community.
“I’m delighted to join the Qantas Group, its training provider FTA Queensland, Toowoomba airport owners Wagner Corporation and the Toowoomba Regional Council to celebrate the start of construction of what will be the first world-class pilot training facility anywhere in regional Australia,” Mr Dick said.
Qantas Group Pilot Academy Executive Manager Wes Nobelius said: “We’re making good progress on the development of our new pilot academy, and together with our partners and the local community we look forward to welcoming our first students next month.”
According to Toowoomba Regional Council Mayor Paul Antonio, the pilot training academy is going to be a big asset for the region.
“This important piece of infrastructure is much more than just an airport as it has built a sense of self belief throughout the community that has paved the way for further investment in the Toowoomba Region.
“We have so many modern-day pioneers, looking at new opportunities and building new infrastructure to support the industries of the future,” Mr Antonio said.
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Source: Queensland Government; Inside Construction; Mirage News