Aviation and Aerospace
The Greater Whitsunday region’s desirable location and renowned technical capability is attracting investment from aviation and aerospace organisations.
The sectors can be well-supported by the Greater Whitsunday region’s significant engineering and technical services capability, making them exciting growth and diversification industries for the region’s economy.
Aerospace
Abbot Point near Bowen in the Whitsundays has been identified by the Queensland Government as being ideally suited in terms of technical and environmental criteria for a potential space launch facility. Favourable conditions include:
1. Location – being close to the equator and the capability to launch multiple orbits
2. Population – area of extremely low population density
3. Activity – minimal activity on the ocean within close proximity to the launch site which prevents launch delays due to range encroachment
4. Significant existing infrastructure – deep sea port, long runway, proximity to a major hospital, and road and rail network.
Aviation and Aerospace Highlights
Greater Whitsunday regional strengths in aviation and aerospace include:
High proportion of clear weather days
Open coastline
Proximity to the equator
Uncongested airspace
Access to infrastructure
Region’s liveability to attract and retain workforces
METS capabilities that can be adapted to support equipment maintenance and repair.
Regional Opportunities
Two key Aviation and Aerospace opportunities have been realised for the Greater Whitsunday region and can be leveraged to stimulate further development and investment.
Qantas Group
In July 2019, Mackay was named as Qantas’ preferred location for a second Qantas Group Pilot Training Academy. Whilst the global pandemic has delayed development plans, Qantas is committed to establish a second flight training academy in Mackay when conditions improve.
Gilmour Space
As part of Queensland Space Industry Strategy, a technical and environmental investigation was undertaken into the space launch potential of Abbot Point, near Bowen which found the site may be suitable for small-scale launch activities. The fact sheet is available here. It is anticipated that proponent Gilmour Space Technologies will be launching from this site in 2022 which will potentially support new business as well as existing local supply chain opportunities.
Key GW3 Projects
Discover more about key GW3 projects and activities that support Aviation and Aerospace in the region below:
Regional Jobs Committee
Delivered in partnership with the Department of Employment Small Business and Training, the committee supports future skills development in key industries across the Mackay Isaac Whitsunday region.
The Greater Whitsunday Future Skills Roadmap here.
The Future Employment Study here.
Transformation Region
The Transformation Region platform showcases the region’s commitment to transformation, innovation and change. You can check out these stories here.