Pilot deal real bonus
STUDENT pilots can fly the friendly skies within two years of graduating thanks to a new deal between CQU and two major Australian Airlines.
The deal, an Australian first, will see aviation graduates from CQUniversity Australia given the chance to fly with regional airline Hinterland Aviation and then an opportunity to take the pilot’s seat with national carrier Virgin Australia.
“Through this agreement Cairns regional airline Hinterland Aviation will be able to employ students immediately upon completing their degrees,” CQUniversity Vice
Chancellor Professor Nick Klomp said. “After two years the student will have the opportunity to apply for a position with Virgin Australia.”
Under the partnership, graduates of aviation courses will progress to Hinterland to get a turbine endorsement on a Cessna 208 or possibly a King Air. The deal, announced at Cairns Airport yesterday, has created a unique career pathway.
“This is momentous for the opportunity it provides to our graduating pilots,” Prof Klomp said.
“Not only is this partnership addressing the global pilot shortage but it also aligns with the University’s Strategic Plan by providing sector-leading graduate opportunities.”
CQUniversity’s aviation degree was given a $10 million boost in March with a State Government funding commitment.
International pilot training is also expected to start in Cairns by 2020 to help combat Boeing’s projected pilot shortage.
Hinterland’s deal with CQU and Virgin is the third major announcement for the airline in four months.
It follows the Far Northern airline’s rebranding in August. Flights to Coen from Cairns were also added to the company’s aviation route in September.
“We see the potential of this pathway, which, through partnership, provides opportunities to ensure all aspects of training and development are strategically aligned for mutual benefit,” Hinterland Aviation Managing Director Mark Dorward said.
Virgin Australia General Manager, Aircraft Operations, Mike Fitzgerald said the program was a “top priority” as an investment in a future generation of pilots.