Wagga flying high after academy shortlist announced

Released 22 June 2018

Wagga Wagga’s bid to become the home of the new Qantas Group Pilot Academy received a boost today after Qantas confirmed the city was included in their shortlist of locations under investigation for the Academy.

Just nine regional cities have been shortlisted from more than 60 proposals.

General Manager of Wagga Wagga City Council Peter Thompson says it’s a great opportunity for the city.

“Wagga Wagga has a compelling case to host this facility and I look forward to showing Qantas what we are capable of delivering for the Academy and the proud Qantas brand,” he said.

“Wagga Wagga Airport is already a premier facility and very little additional infrastructure would be required, we’re ready to go.

“As the largest regional inland city in NSW Wagga Wagga has it all in terms of lifestyle, high quality affordable housing, access to services such as health, entertainment, and sports and recreation, making the city an attractive location for both Academy staff and students.”

The Mayor of the City of Wagga Wagga, Councillor Greg Conkey OAM, says this would be a significant boost for the city.

“I really appreciate the efforts of the staff in putting this submission together, it’s been a lot of hard work so full credit to the staff who have put this together,” he said.

“We received a lot of support from our local State and Federal members along with Charles Sturt University, and we obviously have the support of the business community as well.”

Qantas says a final decision on the Academy’s location is expected to be made in the third quarter of the year.