China Southern West Australian Flying College (CSWAFC)
Australia · CASA (historical)
China Southern West Australian Flying College (CSWAFC) was an ab-initio airline cadet flight training college in Western Australia, established in 1993 at Jandakot Airport near Perth to train pilots for China Southern Airlines. It entered voluntary liquidation in December 2020.
CSWAFC was a joint venture linked to China Southern Airlines that trained around 120 cadet pilots a year to become multi-engine instrument-rated airline first officers. It operated from two bases: Jandakot Airport south of Perth and Merredin Airport about 250 km east, the latter purchased from the Shire of Merredin in 1995. Its fleet included around 40 Grob G115 trainers plus leased Piper PA-44 Seminole twins. In 2010 CAE bought into the college as part of its CAE Global Academy network. The college entered voluntary liquidation on 21 December 2020 amid the COVID-19 downturn in aviation, with its aircraft fleet subsequently sold off.
School facts
| Country | Australia |
|---|---|
| Region | Western Australia (CEASED OPERATIONS - liquidated 21 Dec 2020) |
| Base airport | Jandakot Airport (YPJT); Merredin Airport |
| Regulator | CASA (historical) |
| Courses | Ab-initio cadet training CPL IR |
| Fleet | ~40 Grob G-115 training aircraft (sold at liquidation) |
| Partnerships | China Southern Airlines (owner) CAE (former joint-venture stake, 2010) |
| Founded | 1993 |
| Website | cswafc.com.au |
Key facts
- Established in 1993 at Jandakot Airport, Western Australia
- Trained around 120 cadet pilots a year for China Southern Airlines
- Operated bases at Jandakot Airport and Merredin Airport
- Fleet included around 40 Grob G115 trainers plus Piper PA-44 Seminole twins
- CAE bought into the college in 2010; it entered liquidation in December 2020
Frequently asked questions
What was CSWAFC?
Where was it based?
What aircraft did it use?
Is CSWAFC still operating?
Sources
- https://www.aviationwa.org.au/2020/12/21/china-southern-west-australian-flying-college-enters-liquidation/
- https://australianaviation.com.au/2010/06/cae-buys-into-china-southern-flying-school/
- https://www.businessairnews.com/hb_industrypage.html?recnum=126384
- https://www.cae.com/media-centre/press-releases/cae-expands-cae-global-academy-with-joint-venture-acquisition-of-china-southern-airlines-pilot-training-school-in-australia/
Last verified 2026-07-13. Professionally-public, sourced information only.