Existing airports at Albury, Corowa, Yarrawonga and Tocumwal could all get a slice of the action as part of the race to become home for the academy which will ultimately train 500 pilots annually.

More than 50 regional cities have put forward proposals for the flying school with a short-list to be announced by the end of the month as Qantas hopes to launch the program next year.

The involvement of other airports locally allows Albury to get around the issue of a 9pm curfew for pilot training purposes which the council has no intention of lifting.

“The key elements of Albury Council’s bid included Albury-Wodonga’s exceptional economic and lifestyle opportunities, coupled with the advantages of being located within easy reach of Melbourne, Canberra and Sydney,” mayor Kevin Mack said.

“We have also highlighted the advantages offered by the Albury Airport and its partnership opportunities with adjoining airports.

“And importantly, the bid has the support of the NSW Government as well as neighbouring councils, including Wodonga, Berrigan Shire and Federation Council.”

In contrast, nearby Wagga has gone alone in its bid with Tamworth considered to be the favourite by some industry insiders.

Federation mayor Pat Bourke said his council had also been pro-active in pursing the flying school.

“Federation Council considers the Corowa aerodrome to be a fulcrum facility, the centrepiece of a system of airspace, complementary aerodromes and regional amenities that together can provide an optimum flying training environment,” he said.

“The Corowa aerodrome has the best of both worlds.

“The freedom of uncontrolled airspace allowing aircraft operations without the requirement for flight planning, and yet only a short flight away from Albury, offering experience of operations in controlled airspace.

“The Federation Council bid is supported by Berrigan Shire, Moira Shire and Albury.”

Qantas Group chief executive Alan Joyce announced plans to establish a flying school in February with a location to be chosen in regional Australia to provide access to uncongested airspace.

The airline will initially spend $20 million to build the facility.

The academy will initially train around 100 pilots a year for direct entry into the Qantas Group, including Jetstar and regional carrier, QantasLink.

Farrer MP Sussan Ley said Qantas had an extensive list of criteria they wanted each bid to meet.

“Operating from an airport with a control tower gives Albury an advantage, and so is having a region which can offer different landing options and airspace categories,” she said.

“It certainly gives the border a good start in what is becoming a highly competitive race.”

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