The Australian and International Pilots Association (AIPA), which covers the majority of pilots in the Qantas Group, has welcomed an extension of Federal Government support for the aviation industry.
Qantas has been given approval for an additional 4 weeks of International flights to London Heathrow LHR (twice weekly) and Los Angeles LAX (1 per week.) Hong Kong and Auckland were removed from the program.
Aviation is a key driver of the Australian economy and will play a vital role in the recovery from Covid-19.
AIPA President Mark Sedgwick said the extension of Government support for international repatriation and freight flights keeps exports moving and will ensure thousands of Australians trapped abroad can return home to their families and in many cases, a safer environment.
“The Federal Government’s program of support for aviation is providing our pilots and cabin crew with valuable work amid the international border closures and domestic travel restrictions,” Mr Sedgwick said.
“These flights keep our skies open, keep Australian workers in jobs and ensure our fellow Australians can get home safely.”
“Ongoing support also ensures key international markets for fresh Australian produce remain open, maximising the benefits to the economy.”
“Aviation has been devastated by the impacts of the pandemic and we are calling on the Federal Government to extend support for the minimum domestic network beyond the initial eight-week period.”
“Without ongoing Government support for the domestic network, we risk an aviation industry in free-fall.”
“Commercial aviation is not feasible in the short term if restrictions on non-essential travel remain in place.”
Mr Sedgwick said even after travel restrictions have eased, ongoing social distancing measures will reduce cabin occupancy to around 60 per cent, which may be economically unviable for airlines.
“We will need Australians to holiday in Australia when this pandemic has eased and that will help revitalise aviation and tourism.”
“The health and safety of the community must always come first but to secure the health of the Australian economy, we must ensure aviation keeps moving.”
