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The federal government has signed four new bilateral air service agreements (ASAs) in a boost to expand tourism and trade.
Announced by Minister for Transport Catherine King, the government has signed updated air services deals with the Maldives, El Salvador, Qatar, and the United Arab Emirates.
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In a push to become a more connected aviation hub, the new agreements reflect the Albanese government’s broader strategy to expand Australia’s global aviation footprint ahead of the opening of Western Sydney International Airport.
The Maldives agreement, which allows airlines from both countries to operate services to all Australian international airports, is already in effect, with the first direct service from Malé to Melbourne scheduled to depart.
“The new arrangements between Australia and El Salvador allow airlines to offer codeshare services to expand their global networks and partnerships,” King said in a press statement.
The agreements with Qatar and the UAE will see seven additional weekly passenger capacity openings through the soon-to-open Western Sydney International Airport.
“These agreements underscore the Albanese government’s commitment to creating opportunities for our aviation, tourism and trade industries and providing connectivity benefits to passengers,” Minister King said.
In previous years, Minister King and the wider federal government had rejected Qatar Airways’ attempts to launch additional international flights to and from Australian capital cities, including Sydney, Perth, Melbourne, and Brisbane.
In February last year, the federal government allowed Qatar Airways to buy 25 per cent of Virgin Australia, with Treasurer Jim Chalmers saying Virgin had agreed to explore dry-lease options with the airline.
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