Cadets set to fly thanks to Boeing

ABOUT 60 Australian Air Force Cadets and staff will have the chance to travel all over the world over the next two years as part of a cadet exchange program, thanks to a sponsorship deal with Boeing Australia.

Boeing Australia general manager Colin Giles recently presented a cheque for $60,000 to Chairman of the National Council of the Australian Air Force Cadets Air Vice-Marshal Bob Richardson.

The sponsorship will allow cadets and staff to travel to various parts of the world under the International Air Cadet Exchange (IACE) program.

Boeing’s injection of funds means cadets who may not have been able to consider the program because of costs now have the chance to experience international travel, other cultures and be ambassadors for Australia.

“Many of the cadets participating in the IACE Program so far would not normally have the opportunity to participate in such a large international program,” Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister for Defence Fran Bailey, who was at the presentation, said.

Next year, Australian Air Force Cadets will travel to the UK, Hong Kong, Singapore, Canada, the US, Sweden and the Netherlands.

It is the second time Boeing Australia has lent their support to the program, highlighting the company’s commitment to the cadets.

Since 2001, Boeing has sponsored the International Air Cadet Exchange (IACE) Program, providing $30,000 each year for the last two years to enable at least 56 Air Force Cadets and their escorts to participate.

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