Australia's aviation sector gets $78m Federal Aid , recovery plan launched , Infrastructure , women participation in Focus !

Before Pandemic, Australia's aviation sector supported more than 90,000 jobs, the stricter Aurstralian Border closure rules brought the Aviation industry to the ground level , drawing criticism from the industry and experts.

Already the sector has been benefitted of more than AUD5.3 billion in Federal government support, to keep their manpower and apparatus afloat and ready to deploy , as demand rebounds. 

Now, Australians have started flying again, and the Australian government ensuring the regulation and financial support of the aviation sector are not compromised, to take off after the pandemic.

After the announcement of  AUD183.6 million federal support Aid to the aviation industry on 20th Sept 21,  Australian Deputy Prime Minister Barnaby Joyce has released an aviation recovery framework backed by more than AUD110 million in funding for now.

"As a critical enabler of economic activity, the government is focused on ensuring the industry returns to pre-pandemic levels as soon as it is safe to do so," Mr Joyce said.

The framework highlights infrastructure , which also includes a push for more use of drones and setting the right conditions for air taxis when they eventuate. The Civil Aviation Act will be reviewed in 2022 and the regulatory framework for airports updated to make sure it suits the modern era.

"We are putting in place policies and regulation to foster a competitive, safe and secure aviation sector that all Australians can rely on, and not just for travel and leisure purposes."

Target is Mid-2022, when a strategic 'aviation advisory forum' will be established that will feed to the government on the sector’s recovery and suggest policy changes where needed.

The framework also includes support to rebuild the workforce, boost general aviation, drive emerging technologies, modernise regulation and reduce red tape.

The New Funding and Support in Brief !

• Australian Federal government is spending another AUD78 million to help Australia's aviation sector recover from the COVID-19 pandemic.
• The  AUD78 million in new funding includes AUD4 million to increase the number of women in the sector and AUD15 million to upgrade remote aerodromes.
• Additional AUD29 million will be made available through the third round of a regional aviation infrastructure program.
• An AUD30 million rebate program will help general and recreational aviation operators to upgrade aircraft safety.
• The existing regional carrier support program is also being extended until March 31.

Meanwhile, Qantas Chief  Alan Joyce is quite optimistic, forecasts air travel would return to pre-COVID levels by the end of March and 117 per cent of the pre-pandemic level by mid-2022, despite recent Omicron variant woes.

Virgin Australia is not lagging behind as well ! After the restart of international flights , the carrier has hinted upcoming lower fares , that will heat of Australian Air travel market for a fierce competition.