Qantas reveals plans for over 8500 new high-skill jobs

In case you thought the influence of Malcolm Turnbull was gone then you’ll be surprised to find out Qantas has snagged the former PM’s catchphrase.

That’s right, Qantas has announced a huge investment in ‘jobs and growth’ (and training as well) as the airline looks to create over 8,500 new high-skill jobs in Australian aviation over the next decade.

Among the new gigs include pilots, engineers, cabin crew and airport staff. The implementation of these new positions is driven by investments in new aircraft and increased flying to meet long-term demand through Qantas, Jetstar, QantasLink and Qantas Freight.

The Qantas Group aims to hire more than 30,000 frontline people over the next 10 years, accounting for regular attrition as well as growth. In total, the Group will have an estimated 32,000 people by 2033 compared with around 23,500 currently.

The jobs, growth and training by the group come as it has updated its fleet plan with orders and purchase rights for up 299 narrowbody and 12 widebody aircraft for delivery over the next decade. This includes 22 mid-life and wetleased aircraft that will arrive in the next two years to help meet growth from multiple sectors, including leisure travel, freight and the resources industry.

“(Aviation is) a whole ecosystem that pilots and engineers, in particular, make their way through, and the long-term skills base required means it relies on constant renewal,” said Qantas CEO Alan Joyce when speaking on the group’s plans.

Alan Joyce

The national carrier has also announced that it will establish the Qantas Group Engineering Academy in Australia, with capacity to train up to 300 engineers a year.

The Academy will provide aviation engineers for the Qantas Group as well as the broader aviation industry, including defence contractors and general aviation – two areas with high demand for these skills. A particular focus will be encouraging more women to consider a career as an aircraft engineer.

“Australia needs thousands of new workers and engineers to enter the aviation industry to ensure secure jobs and a thriving sector and we welcome this investment by Qantas to help develop these future skills needs,” Brendan O’Connor, minister for skills and training, said.

The 8,500 new Australia-based operational positions the Qantas Group will create over the next decade include: 4500 cabin crew, 1600 pilots, 800 engineers and 1600 other operations roles.

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