Queensland flying high after landing advanced flight training facility

Queensland has landed a major coup with Melbourne-based Ansett Aviation Training choosing to set up its new ATR 600 flight simulator and base for specialised pilot training in the Brisbane Airport Precinct. 

Minister for State Development, Manufacturing, Infrastructure and Planning Cameron Dick said support from the Palaszczuk Government’s $65 million Advance Queensland Industry Attraction Fund helped to ensure the project was established in Queensland.

“AAT is used by more than 80 airlines and the new centre development is another example of the Palaszczuk Government building on the state’s competitive strengths to generate high-value, knowledge-based jobs of the future,” he said.

“The project sees the installation of Australia’s only ATR 600 flight simulator right here in Queensland, along with the relocation of a Fokker F100 and a Dash-8 simulation.

“This gives Queensland training capability for three of the world’s most popular medium aircraft in the growing Asia-Pacific region, and a lure to attract pilots from near and far to choose Brisbane to skill up on state-of-the-art equipment to fly these sought-after planes."

Mr Dick said the simulators will each provide an average of 4000 training hours per year, with the capacity to train 2000 pilots annually, each of whom is expected to visit about three times per year.

“In addition to the eight highly-specialised jobs created at the training facility, pilots visiting for training will also make a significant contribution to the hospitality, tourism, retail and hotel industries, benefiting the entire Queensland economy,” he said.

“The twin-engine turboprop short-haul ATR 600 aircraft has been the world’s best-selling regional aircraft for the past six years, and the Asia-Pacific region’s ATR fleet is the largest in the world.

“The Asia-Pacific’s continued population and economic growth means demand specifically for this kind of aircraft is expected to fuel even further demand for pilot training, and this new facility gives Queensland a chance to capitalise on that.”

Mr Dick said while local pilots are expected to make up over 20 per cent of users of the new base, the simulators are also expected to attract pilots from carriers as far as China, Singapore, Indonesia and the Philippines in addition to Papua New Guinea, New Zealand, the Pacific Islands and other Australian states and territories. 

Ansett’s Chief Executive Officer Mr. David Garside said that after growing the business in both Taipei and Milan over the past few years, AAT was delighted that the next training centre will be Brisbane-based.

“Ansett has been rapidly expanding overseas recently but we have continued to significantly invest to support training in the Australian market during this time,” he said.

“Our customers have long asked for us to operate additional simulators in other Australian cities outside of Melbourne and, with the Queensland Government’s assistance, we are looking forward to our new facility opening in 2018.

“I am especially pleased that our second ATR simulator, which will be ready for training in November this year, is being placed in Brisbane as this is closer to all of our customers who will use it.

“This is the second ATR device that Ansett has purchased and we are sure that Ansett’s long history and expertise in operating simulators will be beneficial for all airlines using ATR aircraft.”

Mr Dick said the Palaszczuk Government’s Advance Queensland Industry Attraction Fund shows commitment to working with companies like AAT to build a strong and diversified economy.

“This move will ensure continued support for innovation and technology growth in the state, and demonstrates yet another corporate vote of confidence in Queensland." 

AAT is one of six companies to expand or move to Queensland under the Queensland Government’s Advance Queensland Industry Attraction Fund, creating more than 220 jobs and over $200 million in capital expenditure.

In the aviation sector, this also includes Qantas Airways which will make Queensland the home to the East Coast and Pacific operations of its newest aircraft, the Boeing 787-900 Dreamliner. 

ENDS

Media contact: Anika Hume 0447 320 039