Flight path to their future

IT’S up, up and away for Central Queensland University students as today the tertiary institution signs an agreement with Hinterland Aviation to provide practical training for the scholars as part of their bachelor degree and diploma studies.

As CQU forges ahead with its ambitious $55 million expansion in the city’s CBD, a $16m Asia-Pacific Aviation Hub at the airport is a key component of its future.

The deal with Hinterland Aviation means the Bachelor of Aviation and Graduate Diploma of Aviation students will be able to fly and work with an established airline.

The university is establishing courses that provide employment pathways for graduates, including those from overseas.

A Boeing study shows that the airline industry will need 600,000 pilots over the next 20 years.

Successful CQU graduates will be able to apply for jobs at Hinterland Aviation as a global pilot shortage looms.

CQU is focused on ensuring local businesses and the community benefit from their role in the city.

The naming rights sponsorship of the Taipans is one notable example and now the Hinterland Aviation is another.

CQU, the airport and other aviation providers are well aware of our proximity to Asia and the number of direct flights from China, Singapore, Hong Kong and Japan.

These non-stop services make it easier for Asian students to come here as well as to bring friends and relatives to visit.

The first China Southern Airlines direct service from Guangzhou started earlier this month.

Tomorrow Hainan Airlines touches down from Shenzhen for the first time as well. Nick Dalton Deputy editor FOR THE RECORD: The Cairns Post is committed to accurate, fair and fearless publication of news and commentary. But we acknowledge and aim to promptly correct errors when they occur. Corrections, clarifications and explanations the newspaper wishes to make will appear in this space. If you are aware of an error in this newspaper, please contact editorial@cairnspost.com.au or phone 4052 6627.