The Australian Government has agreed to a £298 million bailout for regional aviation so they can continue operating through the coronavirus crisis. The package was announced 24 hours after Australian regional carrier Rex had said it would struggle to transport coronavirus testing samples without a bailout and eight regional carriers including Pelican and Alliance warned they felt abandoned by the government.
The package will include $198 million for regional airline routes to 138 communities and a further $100 million for related companies that support the industry.
“Regional aviation has been smashed by COVID-19,” said Deputy Prime Minister Michael McCormack. He also noted the “critical” role that regional aviation services play for remote communities that rely on regular passenger transport services, as well as for the provision of medical services. They are also essential for the 26,000 staff employed in the regional aviation sector.
“More than 100 regional and remote airports received a scheduled passenger service last month and this funding will be welcome news for the aviation workforce and the broader communities these services support,” McCormack added.
The government had already unveiled a $715m relief package for the country’s aviation industry earlier in March, although the Transport Workers Union national secretary Michael Kaine said that waiving fees for some airlines “is not going to save jobs… Today we have companies representing thousands of baggage handlers, ramp workers, caterers, cleaners, drivers, cabin crew and security personnel facing a tough challenge.”
