Targeted delivery

Should Sydney Airport choose not to proceed, then the Australian Government has the option to either build and operate the airport itself or offer the opportunity to other private sector companies.

Regardless of which scenario comes to pass, there will undoubtedly be both strong political and public interest in what will be one of the most significant aviation infrastructure developments in recent history.

In addition to the developments in Western Sydney, there are substantial programs of work underway at all of the major airports across Australia. To name just a few, Brisbane Airport will soon be commencing the next stage of construction on its new parallel runway, Melbourne Airport is well underway with the planning of its third runway, Perth Airport has begun designing its new runway and taxiway system to support further international expansion, and Sydney Airport has made significant progress in upgrading its ground transport network to improve accessibility to the airport.

There is of course also a significant program of work underway at Gold Coast Airport in the lead up to the Commonwealth Games, Hobart Airport is well underway with its runway extension project and Canberra Airport will lead the way in trialling new border processing technology with the Australian Government border agencies.

With all of this activity underway, it’s sometimes easy to focus only on what needs to be done next rather than reflect on important accomplishments. From an AAA perspective, 2016 was a pivotal year in its evolution.

Perhaps the most significant achievement was the launch of the AAA online education initiative.

This new initiative will greatly improve the ability for people within the industry to access quality online education opportunities, based specifically on Australian airport standards and regulations. The first course offering is an airport reporting officer/works safety officer refresher training program, with an airside safety course and a wildlife hazard management course to be released later this year.

In regards to advocacy, one of the primary focus areas for AAA in 2016 was bringing attention to the financial challenges facing regional airports in maintaining and developing essential aeronautical infrastructure. This was described in detail in an ACIL Allen report that the AAA released in September 2016, which for the first time quantified the extent of infrastructure challenge at regional airports.

This issue continues to be a priority for AAA in 2017, with a particular focus on securing appropriate funding support in the 2017-18 Commonwealth budget. The AAA lodged its pre-budget submission in January 2017 and is continuing to meet and brief key decision makers. It is critical that our regional airports receive the support they need to continue facilitating essential transport services for the communities they serve.

Throughout 2016 the AAA was closely involved in discussions with the Australian Government on issues relating to aviation security requirements at airports.

As we continue to operate in an ever changing and evolving threat environment, this issue remains front and centre as we move through 2017.

It is anticipated that later this year Australia’s international airports will be required to begin implementing new measures to strengthen and enhance airside security arrangements. This will include stronger access controls and security awareness training for airport and airline staff, as well as randomised screening of people and vehicles moving into secure airside areas. The AAA is working closely with the government to ensure the implementation of these arrangements is done in a practical, effective and timely manner.

In relation to any changes to aviation security requirements, the AAA strongly supports the government taking an intelligence‑driven, proportionate, risk-based and practical approach to regulation. This ensures that the industry is able to continue facilitating safe and secure travel for the public without imposing undue regulatory burden and costs on the industry.

The AAA’s continued drive for practical and effective regulation of the airport industry has also been a particular focus in relation to safety. Throughout 2016, the AAA along with a number of industry representatives, has been closely involved in the post‑implementation review of the CASA regulations and manual of standards for aerodromes (Part 139). This cornerstone document provides the foundation of the safety standards that airports must comply with, and ensuring that it can be clearly understood and consistently applied is essential for airports of all sizes. Later this year it is expected that CASA will issue a Notice of Proposed Rule Making for the revised regulations and standards and begin the public consultation process.

The AAA will use this as an opportunity to engage with its entire membership to ensure that the finalised safety framework is one that will be practical and effective for all airports.

The focus of the AAA remains targeted at delivering benefits to all airports across Australia, whether that be through pursuing regulatory reforms or developing new resources, services, events or education opportunities for the industry. It is safe to say that 2017 is already shaping up to be a significant year for the industry.