The Territory Labor Government is growing commercial aviation services to and from the Northern Territory to create jobs, increase visitor numbers, and improve consumer choice and airfare competition.
Under the new Territory Aviation Attraction Scheme (TAAS) Darwin, Alice Springs and Ayers Rock airports will have the opportunity to apply for government funding to support the development of aviation services.
Grants will be available to eligible airports for the creation of new routes, and to provide extra capacity on existing routes to Alice Springs and Ayers Rock airports.
The airports have the opportunity to apply for a share of $10 million in government funding, to be matched dollar-for-dollar by the applicant as co-contribution, bringing the full value of the scheme to $20 million.
The grants will allow the Northern Territory to compete with larger jurisdictions for new heightened demand for air travel and constraints in the aviation industry.
The Northern Territory Government is committed to increasing access to commercial aviation services for Territorians and visitors, to increase jobs and competition, and grow the economy.
Developing ongoing aviation access to and within the Territory is one of the six key priorities in the Tourism Industry Strategy 2030, and also increases opportunities for locals.
Quotes attributable to Chief Minister Natasha Fyles:
“Accessible and affordable air services is a key priority for the Territory Labor Government, and this scheme ensures we have a seat at the negotiating table.
“We’re working closely with airlines and airports to ensure Territorians are getting a fair deal, and today we’re going further.
“The best way to make sure airlines do the right thing by Territorians is to increase competition in the Territory.
“This new scheme allows the Northern Territory to better compete with other destinations when seeking to attract new aviation services and carriers, meaning more competition and lower airfares for Territorians – this is what we will continue to work on over the next two years with this scheme.”
Quotes attributable to Minister for Tourism and Hospitality, Nicole Manison:
“Territorians want more airlines, cheaper options and more availability, this scheme will go a long way to achieving that.
“By working in close partnership with Territory airports, this scheme will help ramp up flights and secure new routes over the next two years.
“Today’s announcement makes the Northern Territory a competitive destination for commercial airlines to consider investing in, and helps achieve our tourism and economic goals.”
Quotes attributable to Airport Development Group Executive General Manager Customer & Strategy, Selwyn D’Souza:
“Darwin and Alice Springs represent two of the most isolated cities in Australia. As such, a competitively priced network providing air connectivity is critical to liveability and enabling Territorians to connect with family and friends both interstate and overseas.
“ADG commends the Northern Territory Government on establishing an aviation attraction fund, and hopes it is successful in delivering lower cost and more frequent services for Territorians.”
Quotes attributable to Voyages Indigenous Tourism Australia, Matthew Cameron-Smith:
“Air access into the Northern Territory for domestic and international travellers is key to the recovery of the tourism industry and this initiative will greatly assist all NT tourism businesses return to growth.
“It’s great to see the NT Government on the front foot to help grow the visitor economy”.
Northern Territory Government
