The Federal Government has announced a $198 million relief package for regional aviation services in response to the economic impacts of COVID-19 crisis.
The package, which has been warmly welcomed, includes subsidies to ensure regional communities benefit from an ongoing airline service, as well as an additional $100 million to provide direct financial support to smaller regional airlines, as needed.
Regional airlines have been critically disrupted as a result of border closures and are experiencing a significant reduction in passenger numbers.
Airlines for Australia & New Zealand (A4ANZ) Chairman, Professor Graeme Samuel AC, said the package was a welcome and important measure from Government.
“We congratulate the Government on its support for, and recognition of, the vital role that airlines play in supporting regional Australia. As the Deputy Prime Minister said, regional aviation is critical for communities around Australia which rely on airline services for connectivity, provision of essential pharmaceutical and medical services; and the jobs of 26,000 people employed in regional aviation.”
