Taking the pulse

The AAA recently received the results and analysis from its 2015 member survey and I am pleased to report that the results were extremely encouraging. Overall, 88 per cent of members indicated that they were satisfied with their membership of the AAA, with the majority also likely to recommend membership to others in the industry. Importantly, the survey also revealed that 87 per cent of members believe that the AAA understands their needs, with 81 per cent indicating that the AAA board listens and responds to members’ needs. What’s important to note is that compared to other industry benchmarks these results are very high (particularly given our diverse memberships) and are also an improvement on our 2013 survey results. It’s pleasing to see that the effort and dedication fromthe AAA board and secretariat is being recognised and appreciated by our members.

The survey also revealed that the advocacy on behalf of the industry remains the most important driver of value for members. The responses indicated that influencing government policy to deliver positive outcomes for the industry was essential, as was effective engagement with government agencies to ensure regulation does not adversely impact airport operations. Over 78 per cent of members, particularly those in regional areas, indicated they would support and take up online training offered by the AAA, particularly for an ARO (airport reporting officer) refresher course. This reaffirmed the AAA’s commitment to exploring and developing education and training opportunities for the industry, with the board scheduled to make a determination on the way forward later this year.

While this feedback is useful, perhaps the most valuable insight from the survey is the information we get on the main challenges and issues impacting each aspect of our membership, from major international gateway airports through to our small regional and remote members.

For major airports, the lack of infrastructure capacity is no longer the primary challenge as it was in the 2013 survey, with 60 per cent of major airport members now indicating that operational challenges while expanding infrastructure was one of the top three challenges facing the sector. This was closely followed by regulatory challenges, with 54 per cent of major airport members citing difficulties with the Airports Act and 49 per cent indicating continuous regulatory change as a challenge for the industry.

CASA regulations remained the main issue for both large and small regional airports, with both sectors ranking it their top challenge.

For larger regional airports the costs associated with security regulatory compliance was cited as a primary challenge, with 51 per cent of respondents ranking it in their top three. The other most prevalent challenge for both large and small regional airports was the ability to raise significant revenue to fund infrastructure investment and maintenance. Small regional airports in particular noted the challenges they face in relation to declining asset conditions and the insufficient funding available, coupled with an increasing cost in regulatory compliance.

The positive news for the airport industry is that the AAA is progressing with a policy advocacy program, in conjunction with specific projects that are targeted at addressing a number of these key industry challenges. In relation to the regulatory challenges, the AAA continues to be heavily involved in consultations with the government on red-tape reduction measures and is advocating strongly for changes to the Airports Act thatwould significantly reduce costs to the industry. Streamlining security compliance and reducing costs to industry is also a primary focus, with several projects underway with the Office of Transport Security to identify savings for the industry.

In regards to CASA regulation, the AAA is taking a leading role in the wholesale review of the Manual of Standards for Aerodromes (MOS 139) and the associated regulations. This landmark review is shaping up to be one of the most important projects for improving and simplifying aviation safety compliance in more than a decade. The AAA is hopeful that following the completion of the review by next year, airports will have clear and concise guidance material and a more flexible and sensible approach to delivering safe outcomes at airports.

The AAA is also focused on addressing the challenge of funding for regional airports and is currently exploring options for a project that will demonstrate the critical importance of regional aviation to Australia’s economy. The project will aim to identify the funding shortfall that exists for regional aerodromes to maintain ongoing operations and to demonstrate the economic impact this will have on a region, with a view to using this information to justify continued government support for regional aerodromes.

All of this work is aimed squarely at improving the overall operating environment for airports across the country. The AAA is committed to listening and responding to its members and is hopeful that we can continue to affect positive change for the industry and deliver the outcomes valued by our members.