Federal parliament has been urged to pass the Sydney Airport Demand Management Amendment Bill 2024 this year to ensure the benefits can be realised as soon as possible.
Appearing before a Senate Committee Inquiry into the proposed changes to Sydney Airport’s slot management, ATIA CEO Dean Long (pictured) urged immediate action was necessary.
“The transparency measures are a really important step in bringing integrity back to a system which we believe has definitely lost the public confidence and has lost the confidence of the Australian travel industry in general,” Long told the committee.
“We are by far the avenue of choice for people purchasing international travel, and by far the overwhelming provider of corporate travel to businesses in Australia [and] we believe this legislation is a positive step.”
Key objectives for the legislation include improving efficiency at Sydney Airport and outcomes for travellers in the event of a lengthy delay or cancellation.
In his statement, Long cited European low-cost airline Ryanair as one of very few airlines to quantify the value of its take-off and landing slots at Heathrow at €145 million per annum, a value that didn’t change during COVID.
“So we definitely call on the parliament to move with this legislation as quickly as possible,” Long added.
The ATIA boss said the association would be well placed to serve as an independent member of the government’s new Compliance Committee to represent the interests of travellers using Sydney Airport, given the costs incurred by agents when a flight is delayed or axed.
“ATIA has long advocated for reforms that ensure Australia’s aviation market is fair and competitive, where both consumers and travel businesses benefit,” Long added.
“This Bill is a crucial, positive step forward that will help achieve these goals.
“With timely passage by Parliament, these reforms can take effect quickly, enhancing consumer outcomes, supporting fair competition and securing a stronger future for Australian air travel,” Long concluded.
