AAPAV, a pilot academy within the Rex Group, has recommenced the training for aspiring Chinese aviators at its Ballarat facility in Victoria, Australia. This marks the academy’s first stride back into action since the easing of COVID restrictions.
Chris Hine, the Managing Director of AAPAV, stated, “Despite the challenges posed by COVID, we persevered in training 56 Chinese cadets, enabling them to graduate unscathed by the pandemic’s impact.” He added, “This relaunch stands as a testament to the unwavering excellence and professionalism upheld by Rex’s pilot academy.”
The comprehensive training programme spans a duration of 15 months, culminating in graduates being awarded a Commercial Pilot License (CPL), complete with a Multi Engine Instrument Rating (ME IR) and High Performance Aircraft Training (HPAT) endorsement.
Noteworthy is AAPAV’s accreditation by the Civil Aviation Authority of China (CAAC) since 2009. Under the current authorization from CAAC, AAPAV can educate up to 168 cadet pilots annually, catering to the needs of Chinese airlines. Rex’s pilot academies have garnered approval from five Civil Aviation authorities, spanning Australia, Vietnam, Singapore, China, and the Gulf States.
Rex, Australia’s prominent independent regional and domestic airline, boasts a fleet encompassing 58 Saab 340 and eight Boeing 737-800NG aircraft, extending its reach to 57 destinations across the nation. Beyond the airline realm, the extensive Rex Group comprises wholly-owned subsidiaries like Pel-Air Aviation, an operator in air freight, aeromedical services and charters, as well as the Australian Airline Pilot Academy with campuses located in Wagga Wagga and Ballarat. Additionally, the group houses the Australian Aerospace Propeller Maintenance, a propeller maintenance entity. Rex also maintains a 50% stake in National Jet Express (NJE), a premier operator in Fly-In-Fly-Out (FIFO) services, charters and freight operations.
