Apache Maintenance Training Takes Off In Townsville
- 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.
https://statements.qld.gov.au/statements/103338