North Queensland’s future Apache Helicopters maintenance workforce has commenced training this week following the opening of the Townsville Aviation Training Academy.
Funded by the Australian Government and delivered by Aviation Australia, the academy will initially support Boeing Defence Australia’s new maintenance workforce for the Australian Army’s AH-64E Apache Helicopter fleet, and the growth of the CH-47F Chinook maintenance workforce.
The academy will provide a critical pipeline of talent for Australia’s future Defence workforce, with the first cohort of 35 maintenance engineer trainees commencing their apprenticeships on Monday.
The state-of-the-art training facility spans over 750 square meters and features purpose-built classrooms, specialised training hangars, and full-scale rotary and fixed-wing training aids. This will ensure a smooth transition to the world’s most advanced, combat-proven attack helicopter: the AH-64E Apache.
Defence is acquiring 29 AH-64E Apache Attack Helicopters to replace the Tiger Armed Reconnaissance Helicopter. The first four aircraft have been delivered to Australia, with flying operations commencing in November 2025.
“The opening of the Townsville Aviation Training Academy demonstrates the strong collaboration between Defence and Industry, to deliver a long-term sustainable and talented workforce to support the Australian Army’s rotary fleet," Director General Army Aviation Systems, Brigadier Steven Cleggett, said
“As the Australian Army introduces the Apache Helicopters into service, this training opportunity provides the future civilian workforce with unmatched real-world exposure to cutting-edge technology and builds the regional workforce needed to support this vital capability.”
“This is an exciting opportunity for young people, especially those in North Queensland who are looking to pursue a local career supporting Army’s battlefield aviation fleet.”
“All trainees are Townsville locals who have joined us from a range of backgrounds — from high school graduates and military veterans to former miners and teachers — and they represent the next generation of Boeing’s regional aircraft maintenance workforce,” said Naomi Smith, director, BDA Sustainment Operations.
“This cohort will strengthen the local aerospace capability that will keep frontline helicopter fleets mission ready and continue to grow Townsville as a vital defence hub.”