Airservices Australia is to waive more than $2 million in service fees for five not-for-profit aeromedical operators.
The five operators are Angel Flight, CareFlight, LifeFlight, Little Wings and the Royal Flying Doctor Service.
Minister for Infrastructure and Transport, Michael McCormack said the five operators provided essential services to those who live, work and travel in rural and remote Australia.
“Aeromedical service providers operate across vast distances, harsh landscapes and in far from ideal conditions,” Mr McCormack said.
“Access to these vital services can mean the difference between life and death for people in remote parts of the country.”
Chief Executive of Airservices Australia, Jason Harfield (pictured) said the announcement was a further demonstration of the organisation’s mandate to foster and promote civil aviation.
“Airservices is entrusted with, and committed to, fostering a collaborative environment in which the aviation industry thrives,” Mr Harfield said.
“It’s why we place a critical importance on not being an economic or operational impediment to industry growth.”
He said that given the aeromedical operators relied on donations from individuals, organisations and businesses to sustain their operations, he was pleased to offer this support.
Mr Harfield said Airservices Australia’s modernised operating model was a key enabler of the announcement.
“Whether it is through our investments that continue to safely and efficiently manage growth, such as OneSKY, or through real reductions in our charges, we are delivering and sharing the benefits of being a more sustainable customer-focused Airservices for all users of Australian airspace,” Mr Harfield said.
