Aviation Australia and Asia Pacific Flight Training (APFT) have signed an agreement to deliver Aviation Australia’s EASA Part 147 basic aircraft maintenance engineering courses with shared delivery in Malaysia and Australia. Subject to regulatory approval, the program will start in February 2014.

The program will have the initial nine theory modules in Malaysia at APFT facility in Kota Bahru before transferring to Aviation Australia’s facility in Brisbane for the remaining theory and practical training modules. The training will cover an EASA B1.1 mechanical or an EASA B2 avionics diploma course.

Bill Horrocks, chief executive officer of Aviation Australia, said: “We expect this program will be very attractive for Malaysian students who are seeking the highest quality internationally recognised training, but without the need to spend the entire training time in Australia.

“In particular this program will reduce the living costs for students and will minimise the impact of studying overseas by allowing students to remain in Malaysia close to family and friends, before moving to Australia for the reduced period of study.  The way we have structured the program, the students will receive the same program and quality of training as students who come direct to Aviation Australia, and will receive the same amount of practical training utilising Aviation Australia’s extensive training facilities in Brisbane”

Dato’ Faruk, chairman of APFT, added:  “We are extremely pleased to be involved in this program with Aviation Australia and we look forward to growing the capabilities in Malaysia to ensure our Malaysian students receive the highest standards of training”