The council unanimously agreed in-principle to make a formal expressions of interest to woo the facility capable of training up to 500 pilots when fully operational due to Corowa airport having two runways, uncontrolled airspace and a relatively stable weather pattern.

In comparison, Albury is already a major regional airport, future development is restricted and opposition already emerging from existing pilot training providers.

“If Qantas wanted to start tomorrow it would be possible without much or any infrastructure,” Federation mayor Pat Bourke said.

The council acted upon a mayoral minute to progress to make a move on attracting the flying school to Corowa.

“There is obviously a lot of (competition) for the flying school,” Cr Bourke said.

“Dubbo, Tamworth, Albury, etc are all out there, but if it all fits as far as the user groups are concerned, we’re right in the running.”

One of the airport user groups, the Australian Soaring Centre, is right behind the bid, according to spokesman and former Corowa Shire councillor Francesco Bruinsma.

“This is an amazing opportunity for Corowa,” he said.

“A major advantage for Corowa is a lot of the infrastructure is already there at the airport.”

A Qantas Group spokesperson said the airline has had an overwhelming response since releasing plans for the flying school.

“We’re looking to base the academy at a regional centre with an airfield, uncongested airspace and the infrastructure to support and accommodate up to 100 students in the first year of operation,” the spokesperson said.

“We hope to be able to train up to 500 students each year once the academy is fully established, including training pilots for other airlines, creating the largest flight training  school in the southern hemisphere.”

Cr Bronwyn Thomas said Yarrawonga-Mulwala Tourism was behind the bid with other facilities at Yarrawonga and Tocumwal capable of being used.

Cr Fred Longmire said the airport was built around the time of the World War II and to a standard capable of handling large aircraft.

“It is a really good thing to step forward with,” he said.