Dubbo Qantas pilot training more likely with airline it will open two regional academies

Dubbo is one of nine regional locations shortlisted to host the academy, with the first site expected to be operational during 2019.

Dubbo Regional Counci has led region’s push to host the training facility, and Mayor Ben Shields said Thursday’s news “certainly does increase our chances”.

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“Even though I think we’re … clearly the best option anyway … having two spots available is quite good,” Councillor Shields said.

“I would point out too that Dubbo has got the synergies in place with organisations like the Royal Flying Doctor Service, the Rural Fire Service and other big facilities that are on the horizon.

“It will work in our favour because there is no other regional airport in Australia that can put these key synergies together with other key players in the aviation industry.”

Cr Shields said Dubbo’s links to other airstrips in western NSW would also give it an edge over the other shortlisted sites.

Tamworth, Wagga Wagga, Bendigo, Launceston, Busselton, Alice Springs, Mackay and Toowoomba have also been shortlisted.

A decision on both sites will be announced in coming weeks.

Qantas Group CEO Alan Joyce said initial scoping had shown two locations would be needed to reach the Academy’s potential. Boeing’s latest estimates show that 790,000 more pilots will be required globally over the next 20 years, around one third of them in Asia Pacific.

“We’re aiming to train up to 100 pilots in year one but we expect this to grow to as many as 500 a year and that can only be achieved if we have more than one location,” Mr Joyce said.

“Adding up to 250 students plus instructors and support staff to any of these places needs the right infrastructure at airports, but also in the towns themselves.

“The Academy represents a commercial opportunity for Qantas, but it’s also important for the future of Australian aviation. We expect that pilots completing their training with the Academy could fly for other airlines, the defence force or services like the Royal Flying Doctors.”

Mr Joyce said the Qantas team involved in selecting the locations had been impressed at the community support for the investment across Australia.

“We’ve been really impressed with the enthusiasm from each of the shortlisted cities,” he said.

“It’s been fantastic. And it’s reflected in the levels of support put forward by governments, councils and the private sector.

“There’s a lot of excitement about using the Academy to leverage more jobs and investment for the region. We really appreciate the time and effort they’ve put in to the bids.”

The Academy’s second site is expected to be operational in 2020. The total initial investment of $20 million is unchanged, reflecting the levels of third party support.

Almost 17,000 people have so far registered their interest in the Academy.