Launceston is still in with a chance to host a new pilot academy, despite Qantas announcing Toowoomba as the first of two regional locations on Thursday.
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Due to open in mid-2019, the $35 million academy will train up to 250 pilots a year from Australia and overseas.
Launceston was one of nine regional cities shortlisted as a possible location for the academy in June, alongside Alice Springs, Bendigo, Busselton, Dubbo, Mackay, Tamworth, Toowoomba and Wagga Wagga.
The site of a second academy, due to open by 2020, is yet to be announced.
City of Launceston mayor Albert van Zetten said he remained hopeful Launceston was still in with a chance.
“It's obviously disappointing we didn't secure the first location of the Qantas flight school,” he said.
“I know a lot of people, including the state government and the coordinator general's office, worked very hard to win the rights to the flight school during the lengthy process.
“However, with a second site yet to be named, we're still hopeful that Qantas will see Launceston as an excellent option.”
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Launceston Chamber of Commerce chief executive Neil Grose said the announcement was a blow, but not the end.
“Toowoomba was always going to be a tough one to beat, but Launceston couldn’t have put in a stronger submission for this,” he said.
“I think that is a real testament to the coordinator general’s office, and everyone who worked so hard on this bid.
“We are obviously disappointed, but the chamber will always welcome Qantas into Launceston with open arms.
“It is an incredibly important part of our economy.
“We still remain very confident that Launceston is in with a chance.”
The selection criteria for the academy included access to uncongested airspace, a high proportion of clear weather days per year, access to support infrastructure and ability to attract students and trainers to live in the area.
Qantas Group chief executive Alan Joyce said a decision on the second location would be made before the end of the year.
“Narrowing down the possible locations has not been easy,” he said.
“We have been really impressed with the enthusiasm and quality of proposals from the shortlisted cities.”
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Jessica Willard
Being a health reporter to me is about more than just reporting the problems. It's about asking why they are happening in the first place and what needs to change to fix it.
Being a health reporter to me is about more than just reporting the problems. It's about asking why they are happening in the first place and what needs to change to fix it.
