Qantas Group Contributes Over $5 Billion To Regional Australia
Today, attendees of the Beef Australia 2018 Expo in Rockhampton were told how over 600,000 steak sandwiches are just one example of the Qantas Group's expansive regional supply chain which delivers more than $5 billion and over 40,000 jobs to the regional economy, confirming the national carrier's commitment to regional Australia.
A study by Deloitte Access Economics released today, highlights the economic benefit of the Group's regional operations in FY17 - directly adding more than $800 million of value and more than 1,000 jobs to Australia's regional economies. A further $700 million and almost 5,000 jobs were supported indirectly through the Group's supply chain of 1,200 regional suppliers, benefiting large and small businesses in a diverse range of industries.
Regional tourism is also a major beneficiary of the Group's operations with an additional 36,000 jobs and almost $4 billion of tourism spending sustained by the flow-on effect of the Group's regional services.
This significant economic contribution highlights the economic opportunities supported by Australia's largest regional network of 48 regional destinations and 73 regional routes - supporting local and international trade, transport and tourism and businesses in Australia's regions.
The report was released at the Beef Australia 2018 Expo in Rockhampton. The Expo brings together all parts of Australia's world-leading beef supply chain with farmers, wholesalers, transporters and chefs all gathering to drive industry innovation, invest in agriculture and help to ensure the future health of one of Australia's oldest and most celebrated industries. The Group, in partership with Beef Australia, put on extra flights to Rockhampton for the event and is helping transport people from all over the country - and the globe - to the beef capital of Australia.
The Group remains committed to investing in regional Australia and has recently announced the refurbishment of QantasLink aircraft with new cabin fit-outs to be installed by dedicated maintenance teams at regional ports around Australia. This is in addition to existing initiatives such as Explorer Fares for international visitors to regional destinations, discounted fares for residents of towns uniquely impacted by air service demand from the resource sector and partnership with over 50 regional Chambers of Commerce, tourism agencies, sporting teams and the arts.
The Group has also announced the requirements for regional centres seeking to host the Qantas Group Pilot Academy. The Academy will create new jobs, attract interest and economic growth wherever it is located. It is expected that student pilots will move from across Australia to take up opportunities at the new Academy. The closing date for submissions is 8 June 2018, with a shortlist and final location decision to be made later this year.