Qantas Group to Invest Over $27 Million in Accelerating Aviation Skills Development

In a groundbreaking move to foster the growth of Australian aviation talent, Qantas Group has unveiled plans to inject more than AUD 40 million ($27 million) into a series of innovative initiatives. Partnering with Griffith University and RMIT University, the airline aims to establish Australia's inaugural safety academy set to launch by 2025.

The forthcoming academy will serve as a trailblazing hub for safety education, offering specialized credentials not only tailored for aviation professionals but also for individuals across diverse industries. Equipped with cutting-edge training facilities, the academy intends to nurture the next generation of safety leaders and professionals.

The courses will be made accessible both online through the universities and on campus at RMIT University, with the option for students to leverage their learnings as credits towards related postgraduate qualifications. A selection of micro-credentials available at the academy includes modules on safety culture, risk management, data security, cyber safety, and factors affecting human safety such as sleep and fatigue management.

In a bid to fortify its footprint in Australia's aviation landscape, Qantas Group is also set to inaugurate two new state-of-the-art ground training facilities in Sydney, Perth, Brisbane, and Melbourne. These facilities will be geared towards training over 5,000 pilots and cabin crew annually in emergency procedures, bolstering safety and preparedness within the aviation sector.

An integral facet of the Group's strategy involves a commitment to diversity and inclusivity. In a concerted effort to champion underrepresented demographics in aviation, such as women and Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islanders, Qantas plans to double the number of scholarships for female students and indigenous communities in 2025.

Vanessa Hudson, Qantas Group CEO, emphasized the significance of safety and training as core tenets of the airline, stating, "With a historic fleet renewal program underway, we have more than a hundred new aircraft on order for Qantas and Jetstar that each represent a growth opportunity for our people and the broader industry."

The Group's forward-looking approach underscores a profound dedication towards equipping the next wave of aviation professionals with the skills and expertise needed to navigate the evolving landscape of the aviation industry.