Council push to see trainee pilots touch down in Rockhampton

Published on 23 February 2018

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Rockhampton Regional Council has set its sights sky high with Council looking at a suite of measures to secure a $20 million pilot training academy announced by QANTAS.

Mayor Margaret Strelow welcomed the announcement from the carrier that it would be looking to regional Australia to establish the academy by 2019 and said Rockhampton was well placed to home the facility.

“Rockhampton is the perfect place for this new facility and Council will be doing everything in its power to make sure we are in the running,” Mayor Strelow said.

“We have the competitive advantage in that QANTAS indicate they’re looking for an existing airfield in regional Australia to provide easy access to uncongested airspace.

“Council will be seeking to have discussions with QANTAS around exactly what we can offer them and we would absolutely look at incentives to bring this academy here.

“To have 500 pilots training in our region would not only cement our reputation as a key aviation hub but would also provide a massive economic boost to the local economy.

“We look forward to working with the airline and Queensland Government to ensure we put our absolute best foot forward to make Rockhampton home for this new academy,” Mayor Strelow said.