Regional Express (Rex) announced today that it is launching a cadet scheme that is without precedent in Australia for aspiring pilots who would like the opportunity to fly with a leading regional airline.
“Rex recognises that the high cost of flying training is a major obstacle to many young people who desire to make a career in the sky and is prepared to assist with the cost of training so that a Commercial Pilot’s Licence is within the reach of many who would otherwise be unable to afford it,” said Jim Davis, Rex Chief of Staff.
Giving details of the scheme, Mr Davis added “All selected cadets would be given a loan of 50 percent of the cost of training estimated to be $80,000. This is repayable for up to seven years in a repayment schedule that links the repayment to the prevailing salary so that the burden is reduced in the initial years.”
“In addition, some of the higher achievers will be given scholarships that could cover up to the remaining 50 percent of the training costs. These scholarship cadets will have to commit to staying with Rex for six years,” Mr Davis said.
Rex has a history of assisting young persons to join the industry with its engineering apprenticeship programme and currently has 16 apprentices under training at its heavy maintenance base at Wagga Wagga as well as at line maintenance bases in Sydney and Adelaide.
The pilot cadet scheme is expected to commence later this year with an initial intake of around 20 cadets and a target of 40 cadets per year. It is expected that each batch of cadets will be trained within eight months of starting their cadetship to qualify for a Commercial Pilot Licence with a Command Instrument Rating and Multi-Engine Endorsement and would then begin their flying career in one of the Rex Group companies.
Explaining the rationale for this bold initiative, Mr Davis said, “Rex is growing very strongly and is adding some 20 additional aircraft to its fleet in the next two years bringing the Group’s fleet size to almost 90 aircraft. We will need to ensure that we have the quality aircrew needed to meet the overwhelming demand for Rex’s services everywhere in regional Australia.”
Rex is Australia’s largest independent regional airline operating a fleet of 34 Saab 340 aircraft on 1,300 flights weekly to 25 destinations from Sydney, Melbourne and Adelaide. The Rex Group comprises Regional Express, air freight and charter operator Pel - Air Aviation and Dubbo based regional airline, Air Link. Interested applicants can register their interest at www.rex.com.au/cadetpilot
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