12/12/12

The policies include ideas on promoting aviation, education and training, engineering, regional issues, aviation manufacturing and research, general aviation, taxation reform, security, technology and environmental issues to name a few.

The policies are not pie in the sky but cognisant of Australia’s role as a middle-sized economy in a fast developing region. Traditionally we have looked to the USA and Europe to sell our manufactured goods but this is changing with the rise of the middle class in China, Asia in general, and the sub-continent. We also must not forget that African nations will need durable aviation products that will build their transport and freight routes.

The opportunities are there if we want to grasp them, but this will only happen if we can give life to sound aviation policies through considered, detailed aviation/aerospace and market research. The aviation world will not wait for us and we must understand where the niche markets are and begin the hard work. A number of Australian companies including GippsAERO and Jabiru are already well down this path but hopefully others will join them.

We also need more aviation champions in federal parliament. A good start has been made by the Parliamentary Friends of Aviation ably led by Sussan Ley and Ed Husic. Recent changes to various Acts by Minister Albanese, and supported by the Opposition, gave relief to some potentially highly damaging legal liability questions. There has also been some logical easing by government of overly restrictive security arrangements at some regional airports. Credit should be given where it is due and these changes are welcomed by the industry.
These steps forward are unfortunately balanced by safety reporting and fatigue management proposals which may negatively affect long-standing robust and effective systems. In addition the introduction of new air traffic flow arrangements has not progressed smoothly and has caused considerable angst amongst a number of operators.

It is obvious from the above both at the long-term strategic and the tactical levels there is still much to be done if Australia is to realise the potential of its aviation industry. We should not shy away from the challenges or waste our energies apportioning blame. Aviation will always be a tough industry with a disproportionate level of cost, market volatility and government oversight.

“Aviation will always be a tough industry.”

Copies of the new industry aviation policies can be obtained from any of the six signatory aviation associations including the Aerial Agricultural Association of Australia, Australian Aviation Flight Instructors, the Australian Business Aviation Association, the Aviation Maintenance Repair and Overhaul Business Association, the Regional Aviation Association of Australia and the Royal Federation of Aero Clubs of Australia.

This new cooperation and energy is hopefully not a false dawn and will lead to Australia once again being recognised as an aviation innovator rather than just an aviation consumer.