New Gunnedah pilot college set to send local economy soaring: Coulton
Thu, 10 Jul 2008
Federal Member for Parkes Mark Coulton has welcomed an announcement Gunnedah has been selected as the site of a multi-million dollar pilot training school.
Speaking at the launch of the Australian Wings Academy at Gunnedah Aerodrome today, Mr Coulton said the facility was expected to house and train more than 200 pilots and inject up to $20 million into Gunnedah's economy every year.
"This is a wonderful announcement, not just for Gunnedah but for the entire region," he said.
"The benefits will be enormous and far reaching. The Gunnedah economy will be significantly bolstered with millions of additional dollars pouring into it every year, scores of new jobs will be created and the doors will be wide open for small businesses and residents to come to Gunnedah.
It is expected more then 200 pilots from Australia, India, Asia and the Gulf will be trained at the facility every year and housed at an inclusive campus that will be built at the airport.
Mr Coulton said hangars capable of housing more than 30 modern training aircraft, administration buildings and classrooms will also be built.
"The stream of pilots that will come out of the academy will go a long way towards addressing the world-wide commercial pilot shortage," he said.
Gunnedah airport was selected by Australia Asia Flight Training to host the academy after a comprehensive evaluation of regional airport sites in NSW and Queensland and is expected to open by August 2009.
Mr Coulton said Gunnedah's unrestricted air space, ideal flying conditions, unlimited restrictions on future growth of the academy and welcoming community made it a perfect choice for the academy.
"It's ideally suited and both Australia Asia Flight Training and the local community are thrilled the academy will be situated in Gunnedah.
"I commend the local community and Gunnedah Shire Council for their work in successfully securing the project. I also extend a warm welcome to Australia and to the hundreds of future pilots that will soon call Gunnedah home."