The Federal Government has provided critical financial relief to 34 regional and remote airports through the Regional and Remote Airport Support Program.
These relief payments will help airports, largely run by local councils, to manage any debts linked to the voluntary administration of Rex Airlines, and maintain the essential aviation services they provide for their communities.
Following the application process, 95 per cent of claimants were assessed as eligible and received payments covering 100 per cent of their eligible debt.
The Australian Airports Association was a strong advocate for this program, which will help ensure aviation services are maintained for many communities.
AAA chief executive Simon Westaway thanked the Albanese Government and Minister Catherine King for its support and said it was an important step to provide certainty in what’s been a volatile period for regional aviation.
“Many regional and remote airports are council-owned and operate at a loss, so this funding will be welcome relief to help manage this critical infrastructure,” Mr Westaway said.
“The AAA has worked incredibly hard to make sure these airports weren’t left unpaid following Rex’s voluntary administration, so we’re very pleased to see this outcome.”
Last year, the Albanese Government successfully supported the sale of Rex Airlines to Air T, ensuring that people living in regional Australia could continue to access the flights they need to stay connected.
This program is the latest in the Albanese Government’s support for regional and remote aviation, including commercial loans, debt restructuring and assisting hundreds of airports and airstrips through the Remote Airstrip Upgrade Program and the Regional Airports Program.
The Albanese Government will continue to work closely with regional and remote communities to strengthen aviation connectivity.
“We committed to and delivered the successful sale of Rex Airlines to keep regional communities connected to the services they need,” the Minister for Infrastructure, Transport, Regional Development and Local Government Catherine King said.
“This financial support is yet another demonstration of our unwavering support for regional and remote aviation.
“We support regional aviation through word and deed, because we understand the essential nature of aviation to communities all over Australia.”
