The Australian Airline Pilot Academy (AAPA), a wholly-owned subsidiary of Regional Express (Rex), today celebrated the official opening of its brand new Wagga Wagga based campus.
After commencing operations in Mangalore, Victoria, Rex announced in April 2009 its intention to construct a pilot training academy at Wagga Wagga airport in New South Wales to take advantage of the excellent airport facilities, good flying conditions and close proximity to its heavy maintenance base. Work commenced on the $12 million state-of-the-art campus in July 2009 and was completed in May 2010.
The Hon. Anthony Albanese MP, Minister for Infrastructure, Transport, Regional Development and Local Government joined airline and community leaders to officially open the Academy.
The Minister congratulated Rex on its bold initiative and further announced:
“The Rudd Labor Government will provide almost $1.1 million to assist Wagga Wagga City Council install an Instrument Landing System (ILS), technology which will enable the city’s airport to remain open during adverse weather conditions such as fog and heavy rain.
I announced this funding while officially opening Rex Airlines’ new Australian Airline Pilot Academy. Together, they represent a major boost for regional aviation and our collective efforts to training the pilots that will be needed to support the continued growth of Australia’s aviation industry.
The installation of ILS – a project which all up will cost $1.63 million – will support 15 jobs, with the new world class Academy expected to create a further 75 ongoing jobs within the local community.”
Mr Jim Davis, the Chairman of AAPA said, “Wagga Wagga can be proud that it is now firmly placed on the world map of aviation with the establishment of a first class airline pilot training facility which we believe will rank amongst the best in the world.”
“The Academy features complete and integrated facilities right at the airport and a campus that is designed to cater for the complete academic and physical well being of the cadets. It boasts a swimming pool, gym and outdoor sports facilities alongside modern classrooms and well equipped individual bedrooms. Also in a few short months the airport will have a fully operational Instrument Landing System the same as those at any major international airport.”
“I would like to thank Minister Albanese, for making a special effort to celebrate with us this significant milestone in the history of Rex and Wagga Wagga. Also I would like to personally acknowledge the presence of many foreign and local guests who have made it a point to join us for this very happy event at Wagga Wagga: Noreen Hay MP, Parliamentary Secretary, NSW Government, Kay Hull MP, Member for Riverina, Daryl Macguire MP, Member for Wagga Wagga, Cr. Kerry Pascoe, Mayor, Wagga Wagga City Council, Airservices Australia, CASA, Safeskies, Piper, Jeppesen, CAE and Saab.”
Regional Express (Rex) is Australia’s largest independent regional airline operating a fleet of more than 40 SAAB 340 aircraft on some 1,300 weekly flights to 35 destinations throughout New South Wales, Victoria, Tasmania, South Australia and Queensland. The Rex Group comprises Regional Express, air freight and charter operator Pel-Air Aviation and Dubbo-based regional airline Air Link, as well as the pilot academy Australian Airline Pilot Academy.
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