Qantas academy would be big boost

School’s huge economic impact

THE proposed Qantas Pilot Training Academy could bring huge economic impacts to Toowoomba, if Wellcamp Airport is selected as the site of the development.

Qantas announced on Friday Toowoomba was one of nine areas in regional Australia shortlisted for the academy.

The proposal for the facility at Toowoomba Wellcamp Airport, created over a few months, was developed by airport management, various levels of government and other industry groups.

Airport general manager Sara Hales said there were many reasons why Toowoomba would be the perfect location for the academy.

“Number one, the sheer practicality of having the aviation infrastructure this airport and other airfields across the region brings, as well as the airspace to support that kind of operation,” she said.

“We’re able to offer Qantas something quite unique with the opportunity to develop and build a facility that is specifically designed for them and meets a global standard in terms of meeting the needs and expectations of training pilots.”

Ms Hales said the project would bring about 800 full time jobs during construction and 600 direct and indirect jobs when operational.

“We expect the decision makers will come and have a look at what we have to offer in the coming months,” she said.

“We’re looking forward to working through that process collectively and putting our best food forward.”

Toowoomba and Surat Basin Enterprise CEO Ali Davenport said if Toowoomba were chosen as the location for the academy it would be of huge economic benefit to the region.

“I think it would be absolutely fantastic not only to have students from all over the country here, but the world as well,” Ms Davenport said.

“The economic benefit just from having the students here would be enormous.”

The decision on where the academy will go will be made later this year.