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If the proposal takes off, the council-owned Squires Gate hub could potentially oversee the training of up to 100 commercial airline pilots per year.
The suggestion was put forward in a report to the Blackpool, Fylde and Wyre Economic Prosperity Board.
A report of the meeting, which is not open to the public, states:.
“Likewise, discussions are underway for the provision of specialized facilities for the training of helicopter pilots and engineers, as the airport seeks to capitalize on the opportunities to become a major training center for the aviation industry. “
Last year, the team at the international helicopter support company Helispeed Services, based at Blackpool Airport, began offering helicopter flying lessons at Hangar 3.
Its goal is to equip students with skills suitable for roles ranging from flying for the oil and gas industry, to being a helicopter ferry pilot, to search and rescue or flying in the back of the luxury yacht of a millionaire.
When the new business was launched, Helispeed Services owner Geoff Packer said there was a skills shortage in the industry.
He said: “Blackpool Airport is great for learning to fly a helicopter. It has a lot of great facilities for a small airport and is geared towards maximizing training.
The airport’s progress report to the Economic Prosperity Council also indicated that work was underway to request the Civil Aviation Authority for new operating licenses to come into effect from late. October.
The recruitment process for the appointment of the new CEO of the airport company is also underway, the first interviews having taken place.
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