Qantas Group announced (11-May-2018) the next step in the process to select the location for its new pilot academy, due to open in regional Australia in 2019. Qantas Group invited regional cities and state governments to coordinate their responses to a proposal outlining the criteria for the location of the academy, including:
- Airport infrastructure: Asphalt runway and taxiways with minimum runway length of 1300m, capability of full lighting for night and reduced visibility operations and fuel tanker refuelling. Hangars and covered facilities to accommodate maintenance and parking for up to 30 aircraft with the ability to grow to more than 50 aircraft;
- Environment; Weather conditions to allow for a minimum of 300 days p/a suitable for flying, based on historical averages;
- Airspace: Access to a mix of controlled and uncontrolled airspace. An airport with a control tower is preferred;
- Teaching facilities: High tech student classrooms and space for large group briefings, full WiFi and IT capability and facilities to accommodate flight training simulators;
- Student accommodation: Contemporary private rooms, communal lounge areas and cafeteria to create a supportive learning environment, visitor accommodation, access to medical facilities and public transport.
Qantas Group aims to base the academy at a regional centre with access to uncongested airspace and the infrastructure to support and accommodate up to 100 students in the first year of operation, with the potential to grow to up to 500 students p/a by training pilots for other airlines. The closing date for submissions is 08-Jun-2018. A shortlist will be announced before a final decision on the academy's location is made in 3Q2018. [more - original PR]