Aviation Australia and Boeing team for new Townsville Aviation Academy
Townsville, Queensland, August 18, 2025 – In a major boost to the North Queensland aerospace industry, Aviation Australia and Boeing Defence Australia (BDA) have announced the establishment of the Townsville Aviation Training Academy, set to open in January 2026.
The academy will initially focus on training aircraft maintenance engineers for the Australian Army’s rotary wing fleet, including the AH-64E Apache helicopters, which will be stationed in Townsville from later this year.
Currently under construction, the Mt Louisa facility will feature over 750m² of dedicated training space, equipped with rotary and fixed-wing aircraft training aids tailored for both defence and commercial aviation sectors.
The inaugural training program will welcome 36 BDA apprentices and trainees, marking a pivotal step in developing local talent and ensuring the sustainability of the aerospace industry in North Queensland.
Minister for Finance, Trade, Employment and Training, Ros Bates, said the new Aviation Training Academy is a clear example of the Crisafulli Government’s commitment to delivering world-class training and real career pathways across Queensland.
“This academy is a direct result of the Crisafulli Government’s commitment to delivering industry-led solutions that work for Queenslanders. We’re not just talking about creating jobs, skills, and economic growth—we’re getting on with it,” Minister Bates said.
“The Crisafulli Government is backing regional Queensland with serious investment in training and workforce development—because we know that’s how you build a stronger, more resilient state and deliver a better lifestyle for Queenslanders.”
Assistant Minister for Community Safety, Defence Industry, Veterans and North Queensland, and Member for Mundingburra, Janelle Poole MP, said the new academy is a strategic win for Townsville and the region.
“This is what delivering for Townsville looks like. The Crisafulli Government is investing in our region, backing our defence community, and creating real career pathways for locals,” Assistant Minister Poole said.
“Unlike governments that talk about the regions, we’re actually building the infrastructure and partnerships that make a difference.”
Aviation Australia CEO, Glenn Ryan AM, said the four-year contract with BDA would give future aviators access to world-class aviation training in a purpose-built training space and ultimately produce a highly-skilled aircraft maintenance workforce ready to start their careers with Boeing.
“The launch of our new campus in Townsville is another important step towards growing Aviation Australia’s national training footprint to support our thriving aviation and aerospace industry,” he said.
“As the largest provider of aviation training in the country, we are dedicated to expanding our reach to meet the industry’s critical skills needs. This new facility will support BDA’s workforce requirements and strengthen our national footprint to deliver world-leading training across aviation and aerospace industries in support of this sovereign capability.”
BDA Managing Director, Amy List, said:
“Our collaboration with Aviation Australia underscores a shared commitment to fostering innovation and excellence in aviation training, ultimately enhancing the operational readiness of Australia’s defence helicopter fleets and growing Townsville as a vital defence hub.
“The academy will not only train our new Townsville maintenance workforce for the Army’s future Apache helicopters but also support the growth of our existing 80-strong Chinook maintenance team, driving growth in a cutting-edge industry for North Queensland locals.”
Eligible students will be funded through the Queensland Government’s Career Start (User Choice) program, administered by the Department of Trade, Employment and Training (DTET).