Qantas will open a new multimillion-dollar purpose-built pilot training centre near Sydney Airport. The flag carrier is gearing up for the expansion and launch of new routes as well as aircraft.
A new facility will provide training for new and current Qantas and Jetstar pilots and cabin crews. Moreover, the facility will be capable to train 4,500 pilots and crew members each year from early 2024.
The centre will house training facilities and up to eight full-motion flight simulators, including the upcoming Airbus A350 and A320 family aircraft. Qantas recently ordered the Airbus A350 for Project Sunrise flights. In addition, the group ordered A320 family jets for Qantas and Jetstar’s domestic fleet renewal.
Qantas Group CEO Alan Joyce said the new training centre would ensure the carrier’s high training standards continue as it introduces a new generation of aircraft types.
“Qantas has trained its pilots and crew in Sydney for more than half a century and we look forward to bringing this critical function back to New South Wales with this custom-built facility,” Mr Joyce said.
Airbus A350s Crew Training Base
Furthermore, he stated that the new training facility will be the home of pilot training for its Airbus A350 widebodies. Sydney will be the launch city for Project Sunrise flights to London and New York. These flights will be operated from 2025.
Mr Joyce also said that this new facility will provide significant cost savings and efficiencies by training them at their home base. He highlighted that the carrier is gradually recovering from its global network.
“The NSW government is a proud supporter of Australia’s aviation industry, and efforts like this will help strengthen the capability and ensures NSW and Sydney remain the country’s global travel hub,” said Planning Minister, Anthony Roberts
According to Qantas, the following Full-motion simulators and fixed flight training devices (FTD) are planned for the new Sydney Flight Training Centre:
- Airbus A380
- Airbus A350
- Airbus A330
- Airbus A320
- Boeing 787
- Boeing 738
- A380 FTD
- A330 FTD
- Boeing 787 FTD
