Qantas announces shortlist of regional cities for new pilot academy

Published on 22 June 2018

The Qantas Group has today released a shortlist of the nine regional cities in the running to be home to the new Qantas Group Pilot Academy. 

The Academy, due to open its doors in 2019, is part of the Qantas Group’s plans to build a long-term talent pipeline for its airlines and meet the increasing need for skilled aviators in one of the world’s fastest growing industries. Estimates suggest the global airline industry needs more than 640,000 more pilots over the next 20 years – 40 per cent of them in the Asia Pacific region. 

Last month, regional cities and state governments were invited to coordinate their applications, putting forward their best case to be the home of the new Pilot Academy. Criteria included access to uncongested airspace, a certain number of clear weather days per year and infrastructure to support and accommodate up to 100 students in the first year of operation. 

Following the release of the shortlist, Federation Council Mayor thanked Qantas for being given the opportunity to bid for the Pilot Academy to be located at the Corowa Airport and acknowledged the support Federation’s application received from neighbouring councils. 

“Despite Council’s best efforts in the Qantas RFI process, Federation Council has not been shortlisted by Qantas to proceed to the next stage of the Pilot Academy process,” Mayor Bourke said. 

“Council is thankful for the RFI opportunity which enabled us to throw our hat in to the ring and I know our staff worked diligently on a strong application so we can proudly say we gave it our best shot. Our application was supported by Moira Shire, Berrigan Shire and Albury City and we would like to thank them for their support during this process. Council will continue to investigate new opportunities, in consultation with our current user groups that will further enhance the Corowa Airport facility.” 

Download the full media release(PDF, 446KB).