Australia supports its domestic aviation with new programs
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The Australian Government is extending key assistance measures to support domestic aviation, ensuring the industry can weather the ongoing challenges posed by the global pandemic.
Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Infrastructure, Transport and Regional Development Barnaby Joyce said the Domestic Aviation Network Support (DANS) and Regional Airline Network Support (RANS) programs have been extended until the end of the year.
“DANS has provided critical support for the aviation sector and the Australian Government has decided to continue it until 31 December 2021 to maintain a minimum level of services on key air routes,” Minister Joyce said.
These programs will be continued in order to support essential freight movements around the country, providing critical access to healthcare equipment, education and mail.
The continuation of such programs will help ensure that various critical industries can continue to operate.
“The Government is also extending a 50 per cent waiver of domestic air services charges for Regular Public Transport and aeromedical flights to 31 December 2021,” Minister Joyce said.
“This will continue to help manage costs for airlines as they navigate the serious ongoing challenges posed by COVID-19 outbreaks, including lockdowns and border closures.”
Throughout the pandemic, DANS and RANS have allowed more than 1.8 million passengers to continue to travel across the country. This includes transporting essential workers in health care and other frontline services.
The Tourism Aviation Network Support initiative is also extended to 30 November 2021 for both sales and travel. This will ensure that travellers can still access these tickets and benefit key tourism regions.
Other critical aviation support measures to be extended until the end of the year include:
- The Aviation Services Accreditation Support Program — provides ancillary support services to the aviation industry, such as ground-handling companies.
- The Domestic Airports Security Costs Support Program — provides financial assistance to Australia’s eligible domestic airports by assisting with costs associated with mandated security screening requirements that must be met regardless of the volume of aviation activity.
The Australian Government is also providing additional support for domestic airlines to maintain critical domestic aviation workforce capability.
“The Government recognises the importance of keeping essential support for aviation in place to ensure the sector is well-placed to soar to new heights when restrictions ease and more people can once again choose to fly,” Minister Joyce said.
“We are laser-focused on keeping the nation connected and supporting economically critical freight movements as we continue to manage the ongoing challenges of this global pandemic and move into a recovery phase.”
SOURCE: MINISTER FOR INFRASTRUCTURE, TRANSPORT AND REGIONAL DEVELOPMENT MEDIA RELEASE
Eliza is a content producer and editor at Public Spectrum. She is an experienced writer on topics related to the government and to the public, as well as stories that uplift and improve the community.
