Improving air access

The time has come to reform international air service agreements

There is an undeniably strong link between aviation and tourism. Given that the majority of international visitors to Australia arrive via our gateway airports, it is very important that we continually look for ways to improve the aviation industry.

The number of flights between Australian and international destinations, as well as the number of seats that airlines can offer on those routes, is regulated through air services agreements. These agreements have traditionally been used by governments to ensure their own national carriers have access to overseas markets. The AAA recognises the importance of factoring in the priorities of both foreign and Australian airlines, but the primary consideration in negotiating these agreements should be the overall economic and social benefit to Australia.