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WHAT IS THE AVIATION WHITE PAPER?
* The document outlines ways to improve the sustainability, competitiveness, efficiency and safety of the aviation sector through to 2050
CONSUMER RIGHTS RECOMMENDATIONS
* The government will establish an industry watchdog called the Aviation Industry Ombuds Scheme, which could direct airlines and airports to pay cash compensation to travellers whose flights are cancelled or delayed
* It will issue guidance on obligations to customers, report on the industry’s conduct and make recommendations to the government
* An Aviation Customer Rights Charter will be delivered by the watchdog in an attempt to set out “fair and reasonable” conduct for how airports and airlines should treat their customers
* Airlines should report reasons for delays and cancellations
* New aviation-specific disability standards should be co-designed with people with a disability before airlines and airports are made to comply
* The maximum compensation must be increased for passengers whose wheelchairs and mobility devices are damaged or lost by airlines
* The Productivity Commission should be directed to help identify opportunities to improve regional services
* Transparency over aircraft noise impacts should be improved and the government must create an Aircraft Noise Ombuds Scheme that will conduct investigations into aircraft noise complaints handling, publish reports and make recommendations
COMPETITION RECOMMENDATIONS
* The management of take-off and landing slots at Sydney Airport will be reformed to reduce incentives for anti-competitive misuse. The government has also called on the airport’s slot manager to suspend the requirement to “use it or lose it” for embattled regional airline Rex
* Airline pricing and performance should be monitored to allow for greater scrutiny and identify instances where airlines are misusing market power
* Pricing negotiation principles between airlines and airports should be revised to improve transparency in these discussions and to ensure they do not contain anti-competitive clauses
AVIATION WORKFORCE RECOMMENDATIONS
* Expectations should be set for large airlines to train and employ newly qualified pilots
* The industry will be invited to commit to employment targets for women in senior and operation roles, and the elimination of gender pay gaps within the industry
SUSTAINABILITY RECOMMENDATIONS
* The government should consult with the industry on ways to create a low carbon liquid fuel industry within Australia, that will focus on the production of sustainable aviation fuel and renewable diesel
* A certification program should also be established to assure sustainable aviation fuel buyers that the product meets environmental, safety and social standards
Kat Wong
(Australian Associated Press)