UPDATE
Tamworth mayor Col Murray said there was “some desire” to be the first plane off the tarmac in securing the $20 million Qantas pilot training facility, but was still very confident in the city’s bid, given Tamworth’s facilities were larger than Toowoomba.
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“The cost of the build in Toowoomba was $35 million, and from memory, the cost of the Tamworth build in 1992 was about $63 million, so that might describe the extend of the facilities that are available,” he said.
“We already have a second runway, all the taxiways, all the associated infrastructure is there.”
Cr Murray suggested one possible reason the city was overlooked as the first option was the existing tenant, BAE, is using many of the facilities until the end of next year. Qantas wants the school up and running by mid-2019.
“I guess that was potentially one of the considerations for Qantas, but there was always a pathway there to get them in,” Cr Murray said.
New England MP Barnaby Joyce said Qantas wasn’t the only suitor chasing Tamworth airport.
“You have to remember, there are other proponents out there who also want the site,” the former deputy prime minister said.
“We don’t just have one shot in the locket. Qantas would be a great addition to Tamworth, but if it’s not them, I can assure you it will be someone else and very soon after.”
EARLIER
TAMWORTH is waiting with bated breath to find out if its landed the second Qantas pilot academy, with the airline announcing Toowoomba had secured the first site.
The south-eastern Queensland city has been locked in as the home of the much-sought after $20 million training school, which is expected to produce up hundreds pilots a year.
However, Qantas CEO Alan Joyce said Tamworth was still in the running for the second academy, alongside Alice Springs, Bendigo, Busselton, Dubbo, Launceston, Mackay and Wagga Wagga, which is expected to be announced before the end of the year.
“Narrowing down the possible locations has not been easy,” Mr Joyce said.
“We have been really impressed with the enthusiasm and quality of proposals from the shortlisted cities.”
Mr Joyce said Toowoomba would be a great home for the first pilot academy.
“Qantas has a well-earned reputation of having some of the world’s best pilots – for many of them, the journey will start right here in Toowoomba,” Mr Joyce said.
“Toowoomba will be an amazing place to learn to fly. It’s home to Australia’s newest airport and offers over 300 days of Queensland sunshine each year and an environment that is textbook for pilot training.
“The region itself is a great place to live, work and study. We’ve already had many students express their interest in moving to Toowoomba for this pilot training.
