The Tamworth Regional Council has announced Virgin Australia will create a world-class pilot training academy in Tamworth.
Council revealed that they have been in talks with Virgin for more than 5 months and described Virgin’s vision as the ‘best fit for the city and its facilities’.
This morning’s announcement cancels out any possibilities for Qantas to bring their pilot training to the city.
Mayor of the Tamworth regional Council Col Murray said the partnership with Virgin Australia is a huge win for the Tamworth community.
“It will be a much bigger operation than were used to seeing at the Tamworth Regional Airport.” Mr Murray said.
“It will mean more jobs, more pilots, more activity, more benefit to our regional economy and really put Tamworth on the map in a world sense as far as pilot training.”
Council will reveal more information about the deal in the coming months but it is believed the academy will be in full flight before the end of next year.
Speaking about the deal Virgin Australia Group CEO and Managing Director, John Borghetti said “We are delighted to have been chosen by Tamworth Regional Council, and for the Virgin Australia Group to establish an Aviation Centre of Excellence.”
“Our industry is currently facing a global pilot shortage and this world-class facility will develop a pipeline of skilled pilots funnelling into the Virgin Australia Group and other airlines around the world,” Mr Borghetti said.