Aircraft with pilot in cockpit

Qantas Group Pilot Academy news

Catch up on the latest Academy news.

2025

February

February 2025 course graduates

Following the first graduation of the year, the QG34 cohort graduated on 28 February after 55 weeks of learning and growth. From flying solo over the beautiful Queensland countryside and whale watching over the K’gari (Fraser Island) coastline, to showing off their backyard cricket abilities against friends from the IndiGo cadetship, the 14 graduates built close bonds throughout their time at Wellcamp. These experiences have forged lifelong memories and friendships that will last well beyond their training days.

January

The future is bright as we celebrate our latest graduates

The Qantas Group Pilot Academy saw the first graduation of the year on 24 January 2025. This diverse group of pilots logged an impressive 3,987.8 flying hours, equivalent to over five months in the air, showcasing that a passion for aviation knows no bounds. Continuing the Academy’s proud tradition, these 16 graduates are now taking their next steps out across the industry, led by Class Dux Nathan Stewart, 28, from Hope Island.

Each QG33 graduate brought a unique story to the Academy. Some transitioned from careers in cabin crew, engineering, or music, while others followed in their family’s footsteps within the Qantas Group. Their journeys reflect the rich diversity of backgrounds and experiences that shape the future of aviation.

January 2025 course graduates

January 2025 course graduates

Inspired by the journey of the latest graduates? If their stories have sparked your passion, now is the time to take the leap. The Qantas Group Pilot Academy is ready to help you launch your aviation career. The sky’s the limit!

Start your journey today

Archives

November

New pathway to the Pilot Academy for Australian Air Force Cadets

We've recently signed an agreement with the AAFC Foundation to provide a pathway for Australian Air Force Cadets (AAFC) who want apply to the Pilot Academy. This makes the AAFC one of the few aviation-orientated youth organisations in Australia to establish such a partnership.

Captain Adrian Young and Air Vice-Marshal Kym Osley, Chair of the AAFC Foundation, signed the agreement recently in Sydney. The collaboration gives AAFCs a preferential pathway through initial applications based on their performance. The partnership aims to enhance their preparation and confidence for an aviation career.

Air Vice-Marshal Kym Osley said, “the Memorandum of Understanding with Qantas Group Pilot Academy provides yet another potential pathway to an exciting and rewarding career in aerospace. The AAFC Foundation is grateful to Qantas for recognising the high-quality and very capable cadets in the AAFC and offering an expedited first step for some of those cadets in achieving their aviation career goals.”

Australian Air Force Cadets at Qantas Group Pilot Academy

Australian Air Force Cadets at Qantas Group Pilot Academy

May

A flying start

On Friday 3 May the Qantas Group Pilot Academy held its 26th graduation ceremony, recognising the next generation of pilots getting their wings. Making the evening even more special, three Pilot Academy Scholarship winners, Isabelle Wright, Allegra Taylor and Jasmine Kovacs, were among our latest group to graduate.

Last year we announced that we would provide 50 scholarships to female and Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander students to help them get their careers off to a flying start at our Pilot Academy. Isabelle, Allegra and Jasmine are the first aspiring pilots to graduate through our scholarship program.

To top off the evening, two of our graduates were also recognised further with Isabelle named Dux of the Course and Jasmine awarded the Qantas Award for inclusive leadership, academic achievement, and exceptional flight standards. Congratulations to all the graduates!

Pilot Academy graduates

Pilot Academy Scholarship recipient graduates

March

Academy supports International Women's Day by inspiring the next generation

In celebration of International Women's Day on 8 March 2021, the Qantas Group Pilot Academy opened their doors to the next generation of women in aviation, to encourage girls to get involved in the industry.

The event, in collaboration with the Aerospace Gateway to Industry Schools Project (AGISP) and the Royal Aeronautical Society’s STEM outreach program Cool Aeronautics, brought female students from Years 7 to 10 across south-east Queensland and provided them with a sense of what they could achieve in the aviation industry first-hand, and visualise themselves in the variety of roles that are available to them.

Female speakers and industries presented to the students included Air Traffic Control, Aeronautical and aircraft engineering along with flight instructing and airline pilots.

Qantas Airways' Captain Lisa Norman – B787 Fleet Manager, provided an inspirational talk to highlight her own achievements and what each of the next generation of young female aerospace professionals could achieve. The students who attended enjoyed the day and the Qantas Group Pilot Academy looks forward to encouraging and supporting more females into the industry.

Women in aviation

Women in aviation

Women in aviation

Aviation High Students

Pathway to Qantas Group Pilot Aviation Academy for Aviation High

Aviation High students will have access to a direct pathway to the Qantas Group Pilot Academy in Toowoomba as part of a new partnership.

Aspiring pilots in Year 12 at Aviation High in Brisbane will automatically enter the selection process and, if successful, students will undertake their flight training at the Qantas Group Pilot Academy after graduation. Upon entry into the Academy, these students will also automatically enter the Qantas Group Future Pilot Program, where they'll be mentored by senior Qantas pilots and gain access to career development support during their flight training.

Aviation High joins three universities around Australia offering students a preferred pathway into the Qantas Group Pilot Academy.

January

Course graduates

Second course graduates

After 12 months of study and mentorship, our second cohort of Qantas Group Pilot Academy students successfully graduated on 29 January. The graduates should be proud of this achievement against the backdrop and challenge of a global pandemic. Their ability to be agile, adaptable and most importantly resilient, ensured their success.

The graduation ceremony was attended by guest speaker Captain Danica Henderson - Assistant Flight Training Manager, QantasLink. Danica provided words of wisdom for the new graduates and shared many of her career learnings. This year's Qantas Flying Award was awarded to Peter Biondic for achieving the highest scores in flight training. Lachlan Brock achieved the Qantas Group Award for his exceptional leadership skills as course leader for QG02 along with his academic achievement and exceptional flight standards. The second dux of the Academy went to Jordan Vieira. All graduates of QG02 now enter the Academy's Alumni joining their colleagues from QG01.

Lachlan Brock - Qantas Award

Jordan Vieira - DUX award

Peter Biondic - Flying Award

October

First course graduates

Friday 16 October saw the first cohort of 11 students graduate from the Qantas Group Pilot Academy. Despite the challenges the industry has faced, all student’s demonstrated remarkable attitude and resilience throughout the year to graduate. They now enter the Alumni and will pave the way as pioneers from the Academy.

The Qantas Flying Award for achieving the highest scores during flight training was achieved by Ben Swart and the Qantas Group Award for inclusive leadership, academic achievement and exceptional flight standards was presented to Sophie Percival. The inaugural overall course dux was Holly Wheaton. All 11 students graduated with their Commercial Pilot Licence, Multi-engine instrument rating and ATPL theory subjects. Throughout the year they also completed phase 1 of the Qantas Group Future Pilot Program which included being mentored by various Qantas Group pilots.

The inaugural overall course dux was Holly Wheaton

Qantas Flying Award for achieving the highest scores during flight training was achieved by Ben Swart

Qantas Group Award for inclusive leadership, academic achievement and exceptional flight standards was presented to Sophie Percival

September

Aerospace Gateway to Industry Schools Forum for Secondary School Teachers and Guidance Counsellors

In collaboration with Aerospace Gateway to Industry schools project, we welcomed secondary school teachers and guidance counsellors from around south-east Queensland to a forum focused on supporting the next generation of aviation professionals.

Hosted on Friday 18 September, 26 teachers and counsellors met at the Academy to discuss aviation careers beyond the flight deck, including various career pathways, as well as the industry outlook. Attendees engaged with students, toured the facilities and spoke with various industry representatives with an aim to support and encourage students who are interested in a career in aviation.

Aviation High students visit the Academy

More than twenty Year 12 students from Brisbane’s Aviation High travelled to the Academy for a day that many described as “one they will never forget.” Many of the students are currently enrolled or participating in various aviation subjects as part of their secondary school studies.

Throughout the day students learnt about the various opportunities available at the Academy, and listened to first-hand accounts of student life from current students. Students toured the Academy, various industry representatives were available to discuss career pathways and students were invited to fly the Academy’s simulator.

The Academy is committed to supporting the next generation of future aviation professionals.

August

Qantas Pilot Academy students in front of plane

Students visit Brisbane Base

On Saturday 22 August, the first group of students visited the Brisbane Base as part of the Qantas Group Future Pilot Program (QFPP), an experience they'll never forget.

They were able to meet with various Pilot mentors and staff, and Airservices Australia, and listened to guest speakers, including Captain David Evans (A380 Training and Check Captain on flight QF32) who spoke of his own experience and wisdom in the industry.

The highlight for many of the students was being up close to a 787 and Q400 including sitting in the flight deck. Further visits are planned for students of the Academy as a component of QFPP.

July

Jet fixed training device

Jet Fixed Training Device

The Academy is proud to announce the arrival and installation of its Jet Fixed Training Device. This device will be used during the Multi Crew Cooperation (MCC) phase of the AVI 60219 Advanced Diploma of Aviation (Pilot in Command).

The training is delivered in the ALSIM ALX-97 Fixed Training Device. Students will fly 24 hours in the device, broken down as 12 hours Pilot Flying (PF) and 12 hours Pilot Monitoring (PM).

June

First group of students achieve their Commercial Pilots Licence

A major milestone was achieved with the first Qantas Group Pilot Academy students successfully completing their AVI50219 Diploma in Aviation (Commercial Pilot Licence Aeroplane).

These students are now studying for their AVI50519 Diploma of Aviation (Instrument Rating). During this more complex phase of training, they'll fly the Academy’s DA42 aircraft, and will be exposed to multi engine operations flying under instrument conditions.

January

Qantas Group Pilot Academy takes flightOpens in a new tab or window

Qantas Group Pilot Academy Opening Day - 29 January 2020

Pilot Academy open day

Pilot Academy official opening

Pilot Academy official opening

September

First day of class for future pilotsOpens in a new tab or window

July

Queensland skies get nod for next Qantas Group Pilot Academy site

May

Applications open for Qantas Group Pilot Academy

September

Qantas Group Pilot Academy to land in ToowoombaOpens in a new tab or window

August

Qantas Group commits to second Pilot Academy site

June

Qantas announces shortlist of regional cities for new Pilot Academy

May

Qantas Group announces next step to select home of new Pilot Academy

February

Qantas Group announces the Pilot Academy