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Boeing Defence Australia and Defence have officially welcomed the first 35 trainees who will begin aircraft technician training to support the Australian Army’s AH-64E Apache and CH-47F Chinook helicopter fleets.
The new aviation training academy, funded by the Australian government and delivered by Aviation Australia in Townsville, is set to play a key role in building Australia’s future Defence workforce, with the first cohort of 35 maintenance engineer trainees beginning their apprenticeships on Monday, 19 January 2026, marking the official launch of the Townsville Aviation Training Academy.
The academy will initially support Boeing Defence Australia’s (BDA) expanding maintenance workforce for the Australian Army’s new AH-64E Apache attack helicopters, as well as the Army’s existing CH-47F Chinook heavy-lift fleet.
The state-of-the-art facility covers more than 750 square metres and includes purpose-built classrooms, specialised training hangars, and full-scale rotary and fixed-wing training aids. The centre is designed to provide hands-on, industry-aligned training and ensure a smooth transition to operating and sustaining the world’s most advanced combat-proven attack helicopter, the AH-64E Apache.
Naomi Smith, BDA director of sustainment operations, celebrated this milestone for the future of Australian Army Aviation, and the supporting defence industrial base, saying: “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.”
Under the Army’s modernisation program, Defence is acquiring 29 AH-64E Apache helicopters to replace the ageing Tiger armed reconnaissance helicopter. The first four aircraft have already been delivered to Australia, with flying operations scheduled to commence in November 2025.
Director general of Army Aviation Systems, Brigadier Steven Cleggett, expanded on the comments from Smith, saying: “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.”
The Townsville academy is expected to become a critical pipeline for skilled aviation technicians, supporting both current and future Defence aviation programs in northern Australia.
Boeing established operations in Townsville in 2011 and has since grown its local workforce to more than 80 employees across the Apache and Chinook programs, reinforcing the city’s role as a key Defence aviation hub.
Smith said: “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.”
BRIG 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.”
Trainees at the academy will undertake either a Certificate II in Aircraft Line Maintenance, preparing them for flightline support roles, or a four-year apprenticeship leading to a Diploma in Aeroskills in avionics or mechanical trades.
Successful graduates will be qualified to carry out maintenance, repairs and upgrades across both the Apache and Chinook fleets, directly supporting Army aviation capability for decades to come.
Australia’s first AH-64E Apache helicopters began arriving in October 2025, with the first successful flights of Australia’s growing fleet taking place in November 2025.
Stephen Kuper
Steve has an extensive career across government, defence industry and advocacy, having previously worked for cabinet ministers at both Federal and State levels.
