Qantas Group Pilot Academy

In July 2019, Mackay was chosen by Qantas as its preferred location for the second Qantas Group Pilot Academy site.

This is significant investment in the Mackay region and its economy by an iconic Australian brand in Qantas.

Mackay joins Toowoomba in Queensland’s Darling Downs as one of two campuses for Qantas’ pilot academy.

Mackay was selected due to a high proportion of clear weather days per year, access to uncongested airspace, access to support infrastructure and ability to attract students and trainers to live in the area.

Due to the impacts of the global coronavirus pandemic on the aviation industry, Qantas has shifted their current focus and plans for the pilot academy in Mackay will be revisited in 2021.

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