Australian Airports Association welcomes government commitment to aviation policy

The Australian Airports Association (AAA) has welcomed a commitment to develop a Regional Aviation policy statement from the federal government, supporting the growth of regional Australia. AAA Chief Executive Officer, Caroline Wilkie, said that it was important the policy statement noted the recommendations of the recent senate committee report on regional airfares.

Wilkie continued: “It is good to see the government recognise the importance of aviation in building regional economies and communities. The government has acknowledged the significant benefits affordable access to air travel can deliver for regional communities. A dedicated policy statement will shine a light on the contribution of regional aviation to local communities and ensure we have the right policy settings to ensure the industry’s bright future.”

However, Wilkie stressed that the policy statement must additionally address the tangible challenges faced by the industry within regional airports – many are struggling to meet the increasing expense of compliance despite being a key part of their communities. Worries regarding the high regional airfares have been repeatedly raised by residents in the past, and Wilkie says that addressing this must be a priority: “It’s no secret that regional Australians are struggling with the cost of air travel to connect them to their nearest city and regional centres. Any policy statement must consider measures to address domestic airlines’ high regional airfares and the impact their pricing decisions have on families, businesses and communities in the regions.”