Becker Helicopters, will set up in Whyalla, creating 80 ongoing jobs.

The company is establishing an operating base at Whyalla Airport to provide pilot and aircrew training for military and civil personnel, thanks to support from Defence SA and Whyalla City Council.

The move will create new jobs for pilot instructors, engineers, operation and administration staff, along with flow-on work from international students living in the area. 

Defence SA Chief Executive Richard Price says Becker Helicopters’ relocation to Whyalla will create a new business sector for the town and increase economic activity in regional South Australia.

“It’s great to see successful Australian companies, like Becker Helicopters, investing in South Australia – it will help diversify Whyalla’s economy and reduce the region’s economic reliance on steel and manufacturing,” he said.

Discussions are underway between Becker Helicopter, the University of South Australia and TAFE SA to form training partnerships, facilitating the delivery of degree-level and vocational aviation and aerospace training courses in Whyalla. 

Becker Helicopters Chief Executive Officer, Captain Jan Becker, said the company is proud that South Australia is going to be home for their major training capabilities.    

“We have been overwhelmed by the support and assistance we have been receiving from the local Whyalla Council and Defence SA,” she said.

“We are excited about engaging in the (Whyalla) community and providing our aviation and aerospace services into the future. South Australia is the Defence State and, as such, we intend to bring defence business into the area.”  

Becker Helicopters, currently based at Queensland’s Sunshine Coast Airport, was founded in 1995. The company provides pilot training services and programs for overseas military and personnel, as well as advanced training, including night vision goggle operations for medical and fire crews.   

For more information on the job opportunities available, visit: http://beckerhelicopters.com/