New government, new hope?

There are, however niche markets in Asia, the Pacific, the sub-continent and Africa for Australian-manufactured utility aircraft as well as our quality avionics products. More must be done to optimise these market opportunities.

The high Australian dollar has not helped our aviation exporters. The dollar has also dampened our training industry competitiveness significantly. It is likely Australian industry will need to adjust to a relatively high dollar remaining in place for the short to medium-term. The upside has been that some operators and suppliers were able to replace ageing equipment relatively cheaply and bring those new products to the local market.

Some things are without question though.

Whoever wins the next election must take the Australian aviation industry seriously. ******More of the same is not an option.******* While there is general agreement the government aviation structures are reasonable, with the caveat aviation policy and regulation development moves from CASA to the Department of Transport, there is considerable disquiet among senior industry figures about the leadership of the government aviation entities.

An incoming government is well advised to launch a short, sharp investigation into the Australian aviation industry carried out by no more than three senior, respected aviation and aerospace figures. The group should report within six months of the election on the state of the industry with practical steps as to how the industry can return to the first rank internationally.

“More of the same is not an option.”

We have been there before and there is still time, before the expertise ebbs away, to aim for some of the capabilities reached by Canada and Brazil. This is not pie in the sky if there is the political and industry will to make it happen.

We live in a region that is the fastest expanding aviation market in the world. This writer believes the will still exists, but it must be tapped – and soon.

On the regional front, every effort must be made to return RPT services to towns and communities.

The number of ports lost over the last 25 years has gone too far and is now hurting Australia’s productivity. The appropriate aircraft and crews are available, but the regional market needs rebuilding. The distances to be travelled are challenging and time-consuming. Aviation can provide the business, workforce, freight and tourism solutions to the bush but no further impediments should be placed in its way. In fact, regional route redevelopment should be high on the incoming government’s agenda. It’s good policy, it lowers risks on the roads and provides better transport solutions.

Australia is a first-world country with less than optimal transport systems, particularly to regional Australia. With a true industry/government partnership we can do far better. Other countries have managed it.

********It’s a long road back for our industry, but the opportunities are still there.********