ADDITIONAL NEW SUPPORT FOR CRITICAL REGIONAL AVIATION SERVICES THROUGH COVID-19

28 March 2020

ADDITIONAL NEW SUPPORT FOR CRITICAL REGIONAL AVIATION SERVICES THROUGH COVID-19

The Federal Government has allocated a $198 million Regional Air Network Assistance Package to keep planes flying to regional areas during the coronavirus crisis.

This package guarantees core routes for domestic air freight will remain open and essential workers remain employed, while providing vital financial support for airlines servicing regional and remote locations.

These new measures build on the $715 million in support already announced for the aviation sector.

Currently there are around 12 commercial regional airlines – aside from the Virgin Australia and Qantas groups – which operate regular scheduled passenger services across Australia. While the $198 million to support the network will assist airlines, there are critical standing costs for each airline’s safety function, regulatory compliance and minimum operational capability to be met. 

An additional $100 million is available to provide direct financial support to smaller regional airlines should it be needed. 

Grant guidelines are being finalised and will be available shortly, together with other program documentation, through the GrantConnect website: www.grants.gov.au.