aviation

A new Aviation White Paper will create the framework to give passengers a better deal while ensuring the industry maintains Australia’s strong safety record. The White Paper includes 56 policies setting the direction for the industry. The centrepiece is an independent Aviation Industry Ombuds Scheme and a new Charter of Customer Rights.

Volunteers have been kept busy at the Nhill Aviation Heritage Centre (NAHC) ... During the week members of the NAHC Board entertained the Governor of Victoria, Her Excellency Professor Margaret Gardner AC and her entourage.

Booming investments into biofuels, set out in government’s  ‘Future Made in Australia’ plan, presents a huge opportunity for Australia’s regional agricultural producers and farmers, according to Airbus. Airbus Chief Representative for Australia and the Pacific, Stephen Forshaw, recently warned that a “Future Made in Singapore”, not Australia, could be a reality if local industry does not embrace these opportunities now to tap into domestic gains. Australian Rural & Regional News interviewed Stephen and learnt a good more about just what's involved and the prospects for Australia and Australian farmers.

I’m Sam Freeman, and alongside Justin Walsh, Adam Nikitins, and our team, we have been working to ensure Rex’s regional services continue through – and beyond – Rex’s Voluntary Administration.  As we shared on social media last week, we’ve been focused on ensuring our regional network operates without disruption and I’m proud to say that since Wednesday last week, we’ve carried thousands of passengers across hundreds of sectors.

The Albanese Government will strengthen competitive settings through an open approach to market for the Sydney Airport Slot Manager, as part of overarching reforms to the slot system at Sydney Airport. The competitive tender to be released today (Monday 5 August) will require prospective slot managers to demonstrate how they will deliver on the Government reforms announced earlier this year, following recommendations from the Harris Review and the ACCC.

Farmers have renewed calls for meaningful competition reform as experts warn the aviation sector faces similar problems to the supermarket sector ... While Rex’s regional routes were still in operation, NSW Farmers President Xavier Martin said the similarities between aviation and supermarket concentration were too big to ignore.

Chris Murray. Growing up on Lord Howe during the halcyon days of the flying boats, the Lord Howe waterfront seemed like a sea of tranquillity: cheerful crowds congregated at the jetty to greet and farewell passengers; flower leis were romantically cast into the lagoon by departing passengers; Hawaiian music was piped in the vicinity of the jetty; and it all happened against the backdrop of Lord Howe’s opalescent lagoon and towering southern mountains… surely the picture-perfect setting?

Councils from across Western Queensland are calling on governments to do everything possible to ensure Rex Airlines continues to service its regional routes in Queensland. We are alarmed at the current situation and what this could mean for the vital service Rex flights provide for our remote and rural areas ... These flights are fundamental to residents in our part of the world, and we need these services to be maintained.

Overnight it was announced that Regional Express Holdings and a number of its subsidiaries have entered voluntary administration. Samuel Freeman, Justin Walsh and Adam Nikitins of Ernst & Young Australia (EY Australia) have been appointed Joint and Several Voluntary Administrators by the Rex Group’s respective Boards of Directors.