50 Jobs In $29m Jetstar Project

Newcastle Herald

Friday February 11, 2005

By MELISSA CHAIN State Political Reporter

JETSTAR will announce today a $29 million investment plan to expand its operations at Newcastle Airport, creating an extra 50 jobs in the Hunter.

The budget airline's decision to set up a maintenance hangar for its new Airbus aircraft in Newcastle will also secure the existing 82 jobs, bringing the workforce to 132 including 25 apprenticeships.

The move follows discussions between Newcastle Airport and Hunter Minister Michael Costa last year to secure a long-term maintenance contract with the airline.

Newcastle Airport won the contract over the competition in Melbourne, New Zealand and Asia.

A spokesman for Premier Bob Carr said the State Government had been involved in negotiations with Jetstar for some time and assisted the project through its Hunter Administration Fund, the BHP Trust and capital expenditure.

"There were real concerns that Jetstar would take its operations elsewhere," the spokesman said.

He said the State Government was confident the skilled workers required for the maintenance jobs would be filled by Hunter residents.

In addition, TAFE NSW will support the apprenticeships offered by amending its aeronautical courses.

The announcement confirms the Hunter's reputation in the aerospace and aviation industry.

Last July United States aviation giant Boeing announced it would expand its Hunter-based operations, creating an aerospace hub at Williamtown, which was expected to create an extra 500 jobs by 2007.

Boeing Australia said it would contribute at least $22.5 million a year in wages to the Hunter economy, plus provide an additional 220 positions by 2013 and 400 indirect jobs in support services.

At the time, Hunter educational institutions were put on notice by the State Government to change their programs and help produce graduates with a range of aerospace skills.