British Aerospace Australia (BAeA) has been named preferred bidder for a 10-year contract to provide all flight screening and basic flight training for the Australian Defence Force, to be conducted at BAeA's facility at Tamworth, New South Wales.
The company is also expected to acquire eight more aircraft to enable it to undertake the contract - probably New Zealand-built CT4B trainers, which the school already operates. As many as 140 basic flight trainees will be handled annually, plus 170-250 for flight screening, depending on whether the Army takes up their option. Contract negotiations will start in mid-May.
BAeA is also talking to another leading regional air force on a deal which could see about 80-100 pilots being trained annually.
Source: Flight International
