- Crisafulli Government delivers new partnership between Aviation Australia and Boeing Defence Australia for the Townsville Aviation Training Academy.
- Academy to initially focus on the Australian Army's rotary wing fleet, including the newly acquired Apache AH-64E helicopters.
- Another example that the Crisafulli Government is delivering on its promise to secure a pipeline of skilled workers for Queensland's future after a decade of Labor inaction.
The Crisafulli Government has delivered a major boost to the North Queensland aerospace industry, with Aviation Australia and Boeing Defence Australia (BDA) announcing the establishment of the Townsville Aviation Training Academy, set to open in January 2026.
The new 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, helping to deliver on the Crisafulli Government's promise to grow Queensland's defence industry.
Currently under construction, the Mt Louisa facility will boast 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.
Deputy Premier, Minister for State Development, Infrastructure and Planning and Minister for Industrial Relations Jarrod Bleijie said this new training academy would strengthen Queensland's defence capabilities.
"This new training academy will support new jobs and help deliver sovereign capability in regional communities such as Townsville," Deputy Premier Bleijie said.
"The Crisafulli Government's focus on the defence industry will attract private investment partnerships such as this, to deliver well-paid jobs and long-term industry development for all of Queensland.
"Under the LNP, Queensland is well and truly open for business once again.
"This important training partnership complements the Crisafulli Government's $180.6 million Sovereign Industry Development Fund that was announced in the recent budget."
Minister for Finance, Trade, Employment and Training Ros Bates said the new Aviation Training Academy was a clear example of the Crisafulli Government's commitment to delivering world-class training and real career pathways across Queensland.
"The Crisafulli Government continues to deliver industry-led solutions that work for Queenslanders. We're not just talking about creating jobs, skills, and economy growth, we're getting on with it," Minister Bates said.
"As part of our Fresh Start for Queensland, we are backing regional Queensland with serious investment in training and workforce development—because we know that's how you build a stronger, more resilient state.
"This is another way we are delivering on our promise to secure a pipeline of skilled workers for Queensland's future after a decade of inaction.
"This is about rebuilding Queensland's workforce with the skills our economy demands, and delivering Queenslanders the lifestyle they deserve."
Assistant Minister for Community Safety, Defence Industry, Veterans and North Queensland, and Member for Mundingburra Janelle Poole said the new academy was 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 Boeing Defence Australia's workforce requirements and strengthen our national footprint to deliver world-leading training across aviation and aerospace industries in support of this sovereign capability."
Boeing Defence Australia Managing Director, Amy List, said the collaboration with Aviation Australia underscored 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 70-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).
