The NSW Government has announced TAFE NSW and Airways Aviation will launch the careers of thousands of aspiring commercial pilots.

 

Local Nationals Member of the Legislative Council Ben Franklin said TAFE NSW and Airways Aviation will deliver world-class training to students from July, 2021 at Airways Aviation Lismore Airport base.

 

“This agreement will ensure a career in the cockpit is more attainable than ever for thousands of aspiring commercial pilots. Aviation is a global industry and air access for both passengers and freight is a critical element in supporting NSW during the COVID-19 recovery,” Mr Franklin said.

 

“Providing aspiring pilots with the opportunity to study in Lismore allows students to choose a safe, regional location to build their flying capabilities, alongside proximity to major airspaces to gain more advanced skills.”

 

TAFE NSW Aviation Team Leader Andrew Trease said they’re excited to be training the next generation of pilots in Lismore.

 

“Creating a regional aviation training hub in Lismore is a real win for industry and the local economy. But students are the real winners here. They’ll have access to great facilities and a modern fleet through the partnership, plus they get to build their flying skills in safe, controlled regional environment.”

 

Minister for Skills and Tertiary Education Geoff Lee said the training on offer will be first class.

 

“The NSW Government is proud to be assisting such an important industry by helping train the next generation of aviation professionals,” he said.

 

“The diploma courses will help students land the skills they need to pilot private charters, freight, and commercial passengers.

 

While Australia needs an additional 11,000 pilots by 2038, international demand for pilots trained in Australia is set to increase. Over 260,000 new pilots are required to sustain the aviation industry within the Asia-Pacific region over the next two decades.

 

Airways Aviation General Manager Helena Tierney said the partnership marked a new era in aviation training for NSW.

 

“Airways Aviation has over 30 years of international experience and today, is the largest privately owned group of multidisciplinary aviation academies of its kind,” Ms Tierney said.

 

“We are extremely proud to partner with TAFE NSW to assist domestic and international students gain the skills required to achieve their dream of becoming a commercial pilot.”

 

Registrations to study the Diploma of Aviation in Lismore will soon be available via www.tafensw.edu.au.