Chinese-WA air pilot training scheme an important link with Chinese industry

February 9, 1996

Western Australia is developing an important link with China's rapidly growing air transport industry through the success of a pilot training program, Commerce and Trade Minister Hendy Cowan said today.

Mr Cowan was speaking at a graduation ceremony for 25 student pilots at the China Southern - Western Australian Flying College at Jandakot.

He congratulated the graduates on meeting the high standards demanded both in flying skills and academic studies during the 14-month course.

"It has also been a valuable learning curve in other ways too, with the trainee pilots having to master another language and experiencing a different culture, in particular at Merredin where the initial training is conducted," Mr Cowan said.

"I understand they have been welcomed by local people and hope that they will remember Western Australia fondly.

"There are currently about 100 students attending the college and with China's air transport sector growing at 25 per cent each year we can expect the numbers to grow." 

The first group of eight China Southern pilots to train in WA graduated in April 1995.

The college is a joint venture between China Southern Airlines, China's second largest, and an Australian company.

The partners have invested more than $12 million in equipment and facilities at Jandakot and Merredin, where the college owns the airfield.

The project received a $1 million interest-free loan through the Western Australian Government's investment attraction program, administered by the Department of Commerce and Trade.

Media contact:  Peter Jackson 222 9595