August 7, 2019
The first sod was officially turned on Wednesday at the site of the new Qantas Group Pilot Academy at Wellcamp Airport.
State Development Minister Cameron Dick said up to 100 jobs would be created during the construction of a hangar, classroom and student accommodation facilities.
Another 300 would be created in the broader construction sector.
“Beyond the construction phase, up to 160 ongoing jobs in training and support are expected as the academy scales up to its full capacity of 250 students with significant flow-on benefits for local businesses,” Mr Dick said.
“Support from the Palaszczuk Government’s $150 million Advance Queensland Industry Attraction Fund was integral to bringing this academy to the Darling Downs, and I know it will deliver a lasting contribution to the local community.
“I’m delighted to join with the Qantas Group, its training provider FTA Queensland, Toowoomba airport owners Wagner Corporation and the Toowoomba Regional Council to celebrate the start of construction of what will be the first world-class pilot training facility anywhere in regional Australia.”
Qantas Group Pilot Academy executive manager Wes Nobelius said the first students would be welcomed at the facility next month.
Toowoomba mayor Paul Antonio said the academy would be a great asset for the region.
“This important piece of infrastructure is much more than just an airport as it has built a sense of self belief throughout the community that has paved the way for further investment in the Toowoomba Region,” he said.
- Related article: $35m Qantas Academy At Wellcamp
