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Update: QF pilot academy? 

Via, The Advocate:

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April 8 2018 - 5:00PM

Steve Martin pushes for Qantas Group Pilot Academy at Devonport Airport

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  Lachlan Bennett
  

Tasmanian Seantor and former Devonport mayor Steve Martin. Picture: Cordell Richardson

Tasmania’s newest senator is hoping to convince Qantas to set up its new pilot academy in Devonport.

Senator Steve Martin will meet with Qantas executives on Thursday to promote the benefits of Devonport Airport, including its infrastructure, terrain and proximity to other airports.

He said the pilot academy would be a “win-win” for Qantas and Devonport.

 “For Devonport, an academy would bring substantial economic and social benefits to the region with 100 pilots expected in the initial intake,” Senator Martin said.

“Up to 500 pilots are expected to be trained annually at the academy once it is established.”



MASTER PLAN: An aviation training facility is being considered as part of Devonport Airport's 15 year master plan. Picture: Cordell Richardson

RELATED:

• Par Avion looks to the North-West
  
• Chamber of Commerce supports pilot academy
  
• Master plan for Devonport Airport
  

Senator Martin said the academy would also lift Tasmania’s profile “on the international stage as a provider of world’s best training facilities”.

Tasmanian aviation company Par Avion has also expressed interest in establishing a training facility at Devonport Airport.

Senator Martin was supportive of Par Avion’s plans but said securing a Qantas Group Pilot Academy was his “immediate focus”

“There should be room at Devonport Airport for both schools, and the interest shown by Par Avion and Qantas shows faith in the North-West Coast having the capacity and capability to have such world-class businesses located in the area,” he said.

“I am more than happy to sit down with Par Avion, as I will be with Qantas executives this week, to discuss any proposals.”

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MTF...P2