Fed: Aviation white paper released by government

AAP General News (Australia)
12-16-2009
Fed: Aviation white paper released by government

Main features of the federal government's aviation white paper:



International aviation:

- Foreign ownership limits that apply to Qantas but no other Australian international
airline will be removed.

- Qantas to remain majority owned by Australians and its base will remain in Australia.

- International airlines will be encouraged to provide services to secondary (regional)
airports such as Cairns, Darwin and Broome.



Domestic and regional aviation:

- Financial assistance will be redirected to regional airports and assistance will
be streamlined to regional airlines into one program.

- Access arrangements to capital city airports and prices will remain in place for
regional airlines.



General aviation:

- Direct regulatory service fees will be capped at current levels for at least the
next five years.



Consumer protection:

- Airlines urged to develop corporate service charters, while the industry is being
encouraged to establish an industry ombudsman to manage complaints.

- Carriers' liability arrangements will continue to be improved and mandatory insurance
arrangements strengthened.

- A consumer working group will consider a range of issues affecting disability services
such as terminal facilities, cabin safety and travelling with mobility aids.



Safety and security:

- The prohibited items list will be revamped to focus on real threats and provide less
disruption to travellers.

- More consistent targeting of security measures to focus on higher risk aircraft such
as larger turbo-prop planes.

- Background checking of aviation workers will be streamlined to minimise regulatory
impact on workers.

- Air cargo security will be enhanced to meet international regulations.



Airport infrastructure:

- Airport master plans will be required for future projects to provide transparency
in developments.

- Forums will be used to improve co-ordination between industry and all levels of government.

- Major airports will need to establish community consultation groups to allow residents
and business to be heard about developments.



Environmental impacts of aviation:

- Older, noisy aircraft will be phased out while existing curfews and aircraft movement
caps will be maintained.

- Airservices Australia's noise complaints department will be strengthened through
the establishment of a noise information and complaints ombudsman.

AAP srj/rl

KEYWORD: AVIATION FACTBOX

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