Approval propels pilot training to next stage

Tamworth Region Mayor Col Murray has welcomed the news Virgin Australia Group’s application to the Foreign Investment Review Board to lease flight training premises at Tamworth Regional Airport has been approved. The approval grants Virgin Australia the ability to sublease the premises to the Australian International Aviation College (AIAC) who will join BAE Systems and CAE Australia Flight Training at the premises and will commence training the pilots of tomorrow.

“This is great news - we have been working towards this outcome and it’s great to know the Virgin Australia Group can move ahead with its plan to train pilots in Tamworth,” he said.

“Pilot training has a long history in Tamworth and it’s exciting we will soon see the addition of Virgin Australia cadet pilots at our purpose-built facility which is already being used by BAE Systems and CAE Australia Flight Training.”

Cr Murray confirmed the approval means commercial negotiations with Virgin Australia can move forward.

“Planning in readiness for the first cadet pilots to arrive is well advanced,” he said. “Council has called tenders for various operational aspects at the flying college including catering and food services to commence in the new year.

“We will be ready for Virgin Australia’s cadet pilots to take up residency here as soon as possible.”