More levers to hold airlines to account in White Paper.
The Federal Government is considering options to penalise suppliers such as airlines through new enforcement mechanisms when there have been failures to provide a consumer guarantees remedy.
The Aviation White Paper released a short time ago also states airlines will be subject to a new ‘show cause’ arrangement, meaning they will be obligated to report reasons for delays and cancellations as part of regular reporting of flight data.
The tougher stance on airlines follows confirmation a new Aviation Industry Ombuds Scheme will be created with the power to enforce better consumer standards from 2026, as well as an Aviation Customer Rights Charter that will set out fairer expectations in instances of flight cancellations and delays.
Other big takeaways from the White Paper include the adoption of recommendations from the 2021 Review of the Sydney Airport Demand Management Scheme to improve operational efficiency at Sydney Airport.
This will see greater transparency of slot allocation and use, an expanded definition of slot misuse, and a rebalanced slot allocation towards new entrants.
The Federal Government will also reform governance arrangements for the Slot Manager and Compliance Committee, providing more effective enforcement of slot rules.
Additional capacity will be pursued ahead of demand for bilateral service agreements and negotiation of ‘open skies’ style agreements, the government flagged, so long as it is in Australia’s interests and can be agreed to bilaterally.
There will also be a move to remove limits on bilateral air services agreements on the number of flights to specific airports.
Meanwhile, new aviation standards will be implemented to strengthen and affirm the rights of people with disabilities during air travel, which will also obligate airlines and airports to provide equal access for all passengers.
With regard to sustainability measures, the government has confirmed it will develop certification arrangements for SAF, supported by advice from the Australian Jet Zero Council through an expansion of the Guarantee of Origin Scheme.
The Scheme is an assurance designed to track and verify emissions associated with hydrogen, renewable electricity and other products over time, and is expected to be delivering certification arrangements from mid-2028 to align with international standards.
More details in today’s and tomorrow’s issues of Travel Daily.