Published Friday, 26 September, 2008 at 10:49 AM
Minister for Tourism, Regional Development and Industry
The Honourable Desley Boyle
Fast growth in aviation sector and more to come for TNQ
Tropical North Queensland’s aviation industry has seen unprecedented growth over the last five years in its aircraft maintenance and training sectors, helping contribute to the region’s diversification and its continued growth, Minister for Regional Development and Industry Desley Boyle revealed today.
Ms Boyle said there had been increases in the number of aircraft maintenance and aviation training jobs of 13 and seven percent respectively since 2003 and findings from a new report show that growth is set to continue over the next five years by eight and five percent.
Currently the region’s aviation sector employs 2,275 full time staff and turns over an estimated $322.1 million annually.
Ms Boyle said the Regional Aviation Capability Profile found that expansion for the future of the industry needed to be in flight training.
“With the aviation sector suffering such terrible skills shortages worldwide, there is enormous potential for our region to become a training hub in the Asia-Pacific region,” Ms Boyle said.
“Pilot training is not just an opportunity for Cairns, but for the whole network of Tropical North Queensland airports, including Atherton, Innisfail and Mareeba.”
Ms Boyle said the report recommended further diversification by encouraging new projects like a specialist composite material workshop for repair, maintenance and possible manufacture, as well as an aviation seatbelt manufacturer.
“Fibre composite material components in aircraft are progressively replacing aluminium and other metals in order to reduce aircraft weight and significantly raise fuel efficiency – here’s an excellent opportunity to provide world class training in this niche field,” Ms Boyle said.
Ms Boyle said the report also recognised opportunities for the development of airport land which could provide room for expansion.
“I know of businesses which would expand if they could and this is an issue that will be considered when choosing the new owner of the airport,” Ms Boyle said.
Ms Boyle said the Government would work with the Australasian Aviation Group – Cairns, the industry cluster representing Far North Queensland, to implement the report’s recommendations.
Ms Boyle said the Bligh Government was committed to future growth of aviation sector in Cairns and Tropical North Queensland as a major contributor to a stronger economy and knowledge-based jobs for Queensland’s future.
Ends
Media contact: Kirstie Maier 3225 1005 or 0448 135 195
26 September 2008
Ms Boyle said there had been increases in the number of aircraft maintenance and aviation training jobs of 13 and seven percent respectively since 2003 and findings from a new report show that growth is set to continue over the next five years by eight and five percent.
Currently the region’s aviation sector employs 2,275 full time staff and turns over an estimated $322.1 million annually.
Ms Boyle said the Regional Aviation Capability Profile found that expansion for the future of the industry needed to be in flight training.
“With the aviation sector suffering such terrible skills shortages worldwide, there is enormous potential for our region to become a training hub in the Asia-Pacific region,” Ms Boyle said.
“Pilot training is not just an opportunity for Cairns, but for the whole network of Tropical North Queensland airports, including Atherton, Innisfail and Mareeba.”
Ms Boyle said the report recommended further diversification by encouraging new projects like a specialist composite material workshop for repair, maintenance and possible manufacture, as well as an aviation seatbelt manufacturer.
“Fibre composite material components in aircraft are progressively replacing aluminium and other metals in order to reduce aircraft weight and significantly raise fuel efficiency – here’s an excellent opportunity to provide world class training in this niche field,” Ms Boyle said.
Ms Boyle said the report also recognised opportunities for the development of airport land which could provide room for expansion.
“I know of businesses which would expand if they could and this is an issue that will be considered when choosing the new owner of the airport,” Ms Boyle said.
Ms Boyle said the Government would work with the Australasian Aviation Group – Cairns, the industry cluster representing Far North Queensland, to implement the report’s recommendations.
Ms Boyle said the Bligh Government was committed to future growth of aviation sector in Cairns and Tropical North Queensland as a major contributor to a stronger economy and knowledge-based jobs for Queensland’s future.
Ends
Media contact: Kirstie Maier 3225 1005 or 0448 135 195
26 September 2008