The Federal Government is taking every possible action to maintain a strong and competitive aviation sector, which will be critical to our economic recovery following the COVID-19 crisis.
As Australia's aviation industry faces an unprecedented and sustained period of falling demand, we continue to work with all stakeholders, including the major airlines, to ensure we meet and beat the current challenges - together.
That's why we have already invested more than $1 billion to support our Australian aviation industry.
This support includes a $715 million package waiving fuel excise and government charges backdated to 1 February 2020, $198 million to ensure the continued operation of essential flights into regional communities and $100 million to provide direct financial support to smaller regional airlines.
The $1,500 fortnightly JobKeeper wage subsidy is also available to a range of eligible businesses across all sectors of our aviation industry.
I acknowledge Qantas Group and Virgin Australia Group have significantly reduced their domestic and international services.
We continue to talk to airline executives on a regular basis as we navigate this unprecedented situation.
All levels of government, airports, airlines and the whole sector will need to work together to ensure Australia's aviation industry emerges from this crisis in the best position possible.
The Federal Government is focused on protecting Australian jobs and supporting Australian-based companies.
We want a strong and competitive aviation industry available to start moving again when the COVID-19 crisis has passed.
