National

Qantas plans new Sydney training facility

By AAP Newswire

Aug 17, 2022

Qantas has come in for recent criticism over performance issues. — Qantas hope a new Sydney training centre will help alleviate criticism over performance issues. -AAP Image

Qantas will train pilots and cabin crew at a new purpose-built centre near Sydney Airport, as the airline works to boost staff numbers following criticism of its performance by frustrated travellers.

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The facility, in the inner-west suburb of St Peters, will provide training each year for up to 4500 Qantas and Jetstar pilots and cabin crew from early 2024.

It will also house training facilities and up to eight flight simulators, including for the recently ordered Airbus A350 and A320 family of planes, the airline said.

Qantas Group CEO Alan Joyce said the airline had trained its pilots and crew in Sydney for more than 50 years and it looked forward to bringing this critical function back to NSW.

Planning Minister Anthony Roberts said the government deemed the proposal state significant and had expedited approvals.

"The NSW government is a proud supporter of Australia's aviation industry, and efforts like this will help strengthen capability and ensures NSW and Sydney remain the country's global travel hub," Mr Roberts said in a statement.

Qantas has apologised after complaints from passengers who have endured delayed and cancelled flights, long queues at airports and lost baggage in recent months.

The airline is hoping to address the problems by scheduling fewer flights and hiring more staff.

It has announced at least 100 workers will be recruited to sort, scan and transport luggage in a bid to improve baggage services.