Tamworth Regional Council announced on Wednesday morning that it was instead partnering with Virgin Australia to create a new training centre.

It leaves seven possible locations for the academy, with Launceston competing against Alice Springs, Bendigo, Busselton, Dubbo, Mackay and Wagga Wagga.

Launceston Chamber of Commerce executive officer Neil Grose said the development could be enough to tip the scales in the city’s favour.

“Tamworth would be seen as a major contender to pick up that second academy,” he said.

“They have a lot of pilot schools there already, and in many ways, it was a surprise they missed out on being named as the first location.

“Obviously, I’m speaking as someone in favour of promoting business in Launceston, but I don’t think any of the remaining locations are as suited as we are.

“We’ve got the manned tower, the right amount of runway, proximity to a university, as well as support from all the organisations in the North.”

Qantas Group Pilot Academy executive manager Wes Nobelius said Wednesday’s announcement was not only great news for Tamworth, but also regional Australia.

“It’s nice to see more airlines investing in training new pilots, especially given the global demand projections,’ he said.

Toowoomba was announced as the first of two regional locations for a new pilot academy in September.

Set to open in mid-2019, the $35 million academy will train up to 250 pilots a year from Australia and overseas.  

A Qantas spokeswoman said Wednesday’s announcement would not affect the schedule of the selection process for the second academy.

“We are still hoping to make the announcement before the end of the year,” she said.

“Our conversations with the remaining cities are ongoing.”