Virgin Australia Announces World Class Pilot Training Academy in Tamworth

31 October 2018

Virgin Australia today announced it has been selected by Tamworth Regional Council as the preferred airline to establish a world-class pilot training academy in the New South Wales city.

Virgin Australia Airlines Group Executive, Rob Sharp said: “We are delighted to have been chosen by Tamworth Regional Council to build the Virgin Australia Aviation Centre of Excellence. We are now entering into a negotiation period with Tamworth Regional Council and we look forward to working together to establish a facility which will train the future pilots of our industry.” 

Tamworth Regional Council Mayor Cr Col Murray said: “Few regional airports boast facilities the calibre of those in Tamworth so we have been in the very fortunate position of attracting more than one proposal to deliver commercial pilot training services at our airport.

“Virgin Australia has put forward a very compelling proposition, one that makes best use of our facilities and offers a sustainable return for Tamworth Regional Airport. 

“While details of our agreement will be released in due course, we remain impressed with the innovative approach taken by Virgin Australia and their genuine desire to work in partnership with Council, our airport and the business community.

“It is thanks to visionary community leaders of the past that today we can offer such well-established pilot training facilities. It is now time for Tamworth Regional Council’s vision, along with the global vision of Virgin Australia, for Tamworth to grow and become a world-class Aviation Centre of Excellence.”   Virgin Australia and Tamworth Regional Council will provide more information on the Virgin Australia Aviation Centre of Excellence in the coming months.