Aviation Australia Launches First Government-Funded Modular Aviation Licensing Program with Northern Territory Government
Australia’s first government-funded Modular Licensing program launches in partnership between Aviation Australia and the Northern Territory Government
2 July 2025. The Northern Territory has become the first state in Australia to fund training with Aviation Australia for the newly introduced Civil Aviation Safety Authority’s (CASA) Part 66 Modular Licensing pathway—marking a significant step forward in building a stronger national aviation workforce.
Developed in alignment with the CASA modular licensing framework, the pathway provides an alternative route to obtaining a Part 66 aircraft maintenance engineer licence. Students can gain their licence with limitations and progressively remove those limitations as they gain experience and complete the required exams.
This flexible and cost-effective training solution is designed to meet the needs of both apprentices and employers, with a tailored approach that supports the specific demands of the Northern Territory’s aviation sector.
Aviation Australia and the Northern Territory Department of Education and Training have now signed a renewed training agreement that, for the first time, includes funding for apprentices to undertake the pathway to a Modular Licence.
This new investment complements the Northern Territory Government’s ongoing commitment to developing a skilled local aviation workforce and provides students with a formal pathway to a Part 66 Modular Licence (with exclusions) by building on their Certificate IV in Aeroskills. The funding will cover specific Diploma of Aeroskills units of competency required for the licence, eliminating the need for students to complete the full Diploma, which is traditionally aligned to CASA’s Part 66 ‘full’ licence. This ‘all or nothing’ approach has often posed challenges for operators in the Northern Territory. By offering a more flexible and targeted training model, this integrated approach supports long-term industry sustainability and addresses the immediate and evolving needs of Northern Territory aviation operators.
Glenn Ryan, CEO of Aviation Australia, said:
“This announcement is a pivotal moment for aviation training in Australia. The Northern Territory Government’s is the first to support for the Modular Licensing pathway and is a clear recognition of the importance of building a skilled, local workforce and responding to the needs of industry.
At Aviation Australia, we are deeply committed to delivering national training solutions that are flexible, future-focused and aligned with industry standards. This partnership demonstrates what is possible when government and training providers work together to solve industry workforce challenges. We’re proud to lead the country in this space.”
Cathy White, Deputy CEO, Skills Pathways and Quality for Department of Education and Training, added:
“The Northern Territory Government is proud to be the first in Australia to back the Modular Licensing pathway with dedicated funding support. This initiative supports our commitment to building a trained and skilled workforce, while ensuring our aviation industry can thrive with access to qualified professionals.”
With more than two decades of aviation training experience, Aviation Australia has been actively engaging with state and federal governments to champion industry-aligned licensing models. The new agreement with the Northern Territory reflects a shared commitment to innovation, workforce development, and quality outcomes.
An explainer graphic on the new pathway to an Aircraft Maintenance Engineer Licence and further information is available on the Aviation Australia website. This announcement marks a significant step forward in enhancing aviation capability across Australia and demonstrates the power of collaborative, forward-thinking solutions to tackle skills shortages.
About Aviation Australia
Established in 2001, Aviation Australia is a leading provider of training for the aviation and aerospace industries. Each year, the organisation trains over 2,000 students, including more than 800 apprentices nationally. Aviation Australia delivers training across schools programs, specialised workforce solutions for businesses, and nationally recognised qualifications. It is the only training provider in Australia offering a pathway to the European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) Aircraft Maintenance Licence. The organisation continues to grow its global footprint through initiatives such as its partnership with CAE Malaysia, the launch of the Qantas Engineering Academy in January 2025, and the Modular Licensing solution developed in collaboration with State Governments to support regional workforce needs.
Media Contact:
Kylie Hine
Executive Manager – Marketing and Customer Experience
Aviation Australia
0434 184 479