SINGAPORE Flying College, a wholly owned subsidiary of Singapore Airlines, yesterday marked the official opening of its new pilot training school at Tamworth.

The official opening of the international flight training facilities at Tamworth Regional Airport was led by New South Wales Premier Chris Minns, Singapore Airlines senior vice-president flight operations and chairman of Singapore Flying College, Captain Eugene C. Antoni, and mayor of Tamworth Regional Council Russell Webb.

Premier Minns welcomed the news that Singapore Flying College has chosen Tamworth as its new training base.

“Singapore Flying College is a prime example of the international investment opportunities regional NSW has to offer,” Mr Minns said.

“This state-of-the-art training facility cements Tamworth’s place as one of the leading pilot training hubs in the country and will help create skilled jobs and deliver long-term economic benefits for Tamworth and the broader region for years to come.”

Captain Antoni said Singapore Flying College’s new purpose-built school in Tamworth will strengthen Singapore Airlines’ pilot training capabilities.

“By increasing training capacity, we can continue providing an exceptional learning environment for our cadets, and support a strong pipeline of future aviation professionals,” he said.

The opening marks a significant milestone in expanding the College’s flight training capabilities.

Complementing SFC’s established pilot training operations in Jandakot, Western Australia, the new Tamworth training school is set to progressively expand over the next five years to meet the demand for SIA pilot training.

The flight training school welcomed its inaugural cohort of 20 SIA cadet pilots to the upgraded IFTT facilities in April 2025.

(from left) Foo Chai Woo, Captain Lorimer Yong, Ooi Chuin Ling, Kevin Anderson, Captain Eugene C Antoni, Cr Russell Webb, Rose Jackson MLC and NSW Premier Chris Minns MP at Tamworth Airport.

A total of 32 cadets completed their training at the facility in 2025, with a further 30 cadets currently undergoing training.

Singapore Flying College has engaged highly skilled and experienced instructors to guide cadets through their training journey at the state-of-the-art facilities.

The school is currently supported by four Cessna 172 aircraft, one Cessna 172 flight simulator, and newly renovated accommodation.

This expansion complements SFC’s existing operations at Jandakot, Western Australia, which has served as the primary base of training for the SIA Group’s pilots since 1993.

Tamworth Regional Airport features a dedicated training runway and access to two nearby sealed-runway airports.

It operates around the clock, with Air Traffic Control and Instrument Landing System capabilities on its main runway.

Cr Webb said Tamworth is an ideal location for SFC’s expansion.

“We are delighted to officially welcome Singapore Airlines and Singapore Flying College to Tamworth,” he said.

“With over 300 favourable flying days annually, Tamworth is the ideal setting for cadets looking to take off in their aviation careers.

“The flight school has been operating in Tamworth for a year now, and with that partnership has come valuable expertise and opportunities.

“I look forward to seeing the development in the region’s aviation capabilities and seeing Tamworth play a part in the industry’s growth and success,” he said.