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In a groundbreaking stride towards restructuring Australia’s aviation sector, the Senate Select Committee’s Inquiry into Commonwealth Bilateral Air Service Agreements prominently incorporates the Australian Travel Industry Association (ATIA)’s proposed reforms.

Celebrated as a pivotal victory for consumers and industry stakeholders, the Inquiry’s report, unveiled yesterday, resonates with numerous critical suggestions presented by ATIA. A central theme emerging from ATIA’s proposal is the dire necessity of prioritizing consumers’ interests in any bilateral air service decisions. This viewpoint suggests including an exhaustive cost-benefit analysis, engagement with essential stakeholders such as the Australian Competition and Consumer Commission, and a transparent publication of the rationale behind concluded decisions.

Furthermore, the report underscores the urgency to explore competitive enhancements in domestic aviation. This includes a renewed push for restoring monitoring of domestic airlines by the Australian Competition and Consumer Commission, adopting better strategies for airport slot management, especially at Sydney Airport, and ushering in heightened consumer safety measures.

A revelation causing ripples in the aviation circuit is the report’s recommendation to reconsider denying Qatar additional air capacity in Australia.

Cementing ATIA’s influential stance, its evidentiary submissions during the public hearings are repeatedly referenced throughout the report. A staggering statistic by ATIA discloses that international airfares from Sydney in 2023 witnessed a surge of nearly 99% compared to pre-pandemic levels. A deeper dive reveals that this exponential hike isn’t restricted to any specific travel class. Case in point: premium economy flights from Sydney to Dubai skyrocketed by 99%, reaching a whopping $2224 one-way.

In a recently conducted session, Dean Long, the dynamic CEO of ATIA, alongside the ATIA Vice Chair and Flight Centre Global MD Graham Turner, stressed consumers’ crucial role in the aviation space. Long states, “ATIA’s submission accentuated the indispensable nature of placing consumers at the epicentre of every aviation decision, demanding a reflection in the legislative and regulatory frameworks.”

He further elucidated that a staggering 70% of all international travel by Australians is secured through ATIA’s extensive network, granting them a vantage point to identify glaring challenges. From the year leading to August 2023, Australian travel agents processed tickets valued at an astronomical $14 billion. The ever-resilient members of ATIA, Long emphasizes, are consistently at the forefront, mitigating issues arising from cancellations, delays, and intricate refund policies.

Expressing optimism, Long considers this an opportune moment to rejuvenate the existing system, striving for superior results. He passionately conveyed, “This is the dawn of an evolution, and we eagerly anticipate our collaboration with the Government and relevant entities to carve a brighter trajectory.”

For an in-depth understanding, access ATIA’s submission and the Select Committee’s comprehensive report here.