Tuesday, August 27, 2024 Australian airports are set to benefit significantly from new measures aimed at making the nation’s aviation industry more accessible, sustainable, and equitable. These initiatives promise long-term advantages for people and communities across the country. The Australian Airports Association has enthusiastically endorsed the federal government’s Aviation White Paper, viewing it as a once-in-a-decade opportunity to develop a world-class aviation system in Australia.
The White Paper’s focus on enhancing both international and domestic airline competition, alongside bolstered consumer protections, is expected to make air travel more affordable and dependable. This approach will not only increase access to travel for Australians but also open up new avenues for businesses to export quality Australian products to global markets. Recent events, such as Rex Airlines entering voluntary administration and the earlier collapse of Bonza, highlight the critical need to remove obstacles that restrict new competitors in Australia’s domestic aviation market.
To address these issues, the establishment of an independent Aviation Industry Ombudsman is planned, offering reassurance to passengers frustrated by inconsistent airline performance and unclear refund policies. Recognizing the complexities of the aviation sector, the guidelines for managing delays and cancellations will be designed to be both sensible and realistic. Australian airports continue to pride themselves on delivering high levels of service to passengers, as demonstrated by positive feedback in recent surveys and the Australian Competition and Consumer Commission’s latest monitoring report.
By providing clearer guidance on accessible airport facilities and services, the industry aims to offer a more consistent and pleasant experience for all travelers. Additionally, a strong emphasis on environmental sustainability and managing aircraft noise will help achieve favorable outcomes for communities and ecosystems, both on the ground and in the air. The Aviation White Paper also provides an opportunity to modernize the Airports Act, paving the way for improved passenger experiences through timely investments in airport infrastructure and increased capacity.
These comprehensive measures are set to propel Australia’s aviation industry to new heights, delivering significant benefits to travelers and businesses well into the future. “The travelling public must be at the forefront of decision making, and the past 12 months have highlighted the critical role Australia’s airports play in facilitating aviation competition,” Australian Airports Association Head of Policy and Advocacy Natalie Heazlewood said. “We welcome continued support for regional and remote airports, vital for connecting these communities to key transport infrastructure and dealing with mounting debts after Rex’s collapse.
“Airports remain dedicated to fostering a fair and competitive aviation environment and the current regulatory regime sustains a robust and equitable framework for all parties. “We’ll participate constructively in a review of the pricing model by the Productivity Commission and look forward to demonstrating how the current principles continue to work for airports, airlines and, most importantly, passengers. “Many of Australia’s airports support the superannuation funds of millions of hardworking mums and dads and provide an annual gross value add of $105 billion to the Australian economy.
“We look forward to working with government on these initiatives to deliver a resilient, sustainable and customer-focused aviation system.”.
