16 October ATIA’s asks reflected in main Senate Inquiry Report October 16, 2023 By Amanda Rixon Media Release 0 ATIA welcomes the Select Committee’s report handed down late yesterday. The Report contains 10 key recommendations, many of which align with key asks in ATIA’s submission and evidence including: When making decisions relating to bilateral air service agreements, the Australian Government have regard to a cost benefit analysis, consult widely with key stakeholders including the Australian Competition and Consumer Commission, and publish a statement of reasons for decisions taken. Reviewing reform options to strengthen competition in the domestic aviation industry. Reinstating Australian Competition and Consumer monitoring of domestic airlines. Action to improve airport slot management at Sydney Airport. Implementing increased consumer protections for travellers. The Report also calls for an immediate review of the decision to not allow Qatar additional capacity to fly to Australia. ATIA’s evidence given on the first day of the public hearings, as well as in it's submission, are quoted a number of times throughout the report – including it's data showing international airfares from Sydney in 2023 are up to 99% higher than pre-COVID. ATIA’s submission shows that significant price increases have not been confined to a specific class of travel, although the growing popularity of premium economy seating has seen even greater price rises for this category. Some of the highest price increases across classes include: Sydney to Hong Kong - Economy –$853 one-way (+81% increase) Sydney to Los Angeles - Economy –$1254 one-way (+67% increase) Sydney to Dubai - Economy –$853 one-way (+64% increase) Sydney to Dubai – Premium Economy – $2224 one-way (+99% increase) Sydney to Doha - Premium Economy – $959 one-way (+72% increase) Sydney to Singapore - Premium Economy – $1057 one-way (+59% increase) Sydney to Doha – Business/First - $3165 ATIA CEO Dean Long appeared before the committee alongside ATIA Vice Chair and Flight Centre Global MD Graham Turner. A copy of ATIA’s submission is available bit.ly/3RlZ8ak The Select Committee’s Report is available https://parlinfo.aph.gov.au/parlInfo/download/committees/reportsen/RB000238/toc_pdf/CommonwealthBilateralAirServiceAgreements.pdf Quotes attributable to ATIA CEO Dean long “ATIA’s submission highlighted the critical importance of consumers being at the heart of all decisions being made about which airlines fly in and out of Australia and the need for that to be reflected in the legislative and regulatory frameworks which govern Government decisions.” “With 70% of all international travel conducted by Australians booked through one of our members, we see first hand where the problems are for travelling Australians and for the travel agents and businesses who support them.” “In the 12 months to August 2023, over 10 million tickets worth nearly $14 billion were issued by Australian travel agents. We know where the pain points are because our members are continually fixing up the problems created by the cancellations and delays and refund/credit issues.” “This is an opportunity to evolve the current approach so that it delivers better outcomes and we look forward to working with Government and the relevant Departments and Authorities on finding a better path forward.” Related Articles ATIA tells Senate inquiry a revolution is needed With international fares from Sydney in 2023 up to 99% higher than pre-COVID, and a lack of competition and capacity, the Australian Travel Industry Association (ATIA) has told the Senate Committee Inquiry into Bilateral Air Service Agreements a revolution rather than a recalibration of Australia’s aviation industry is needed to ensure consumers are better supported. ATIA before key Parliamentary Inquiry The Australian Travel Industry Association (ATIA) will today appear before the Senate Committee Inquiry into Bilateral Air Service Agreements to press for urgent reform. Success on ATIA’s call for return of ACCC monitoring of domestic airlines The reinstatement of the Australian Competition and Consumer Commission (ACCC)’s monitoring of domestic airlines is great news for travellers and travel businesses and will support increased efficiency and reliability of flights. Mainstream Media Profiling Delivers for ATAS Businesses The Australian Travel Industry Association (ATIA)’s ongoing mainstream media profiling of ATAS businesses is a winner, with members who continue to benefit from national media exposure. Covid Inquiry must consider lockdowns and international travel ban As the hardest hit sector in Australia’s economy as a result of COVID lockdowns and the international travel ban, the Travel Sector supports the Austalian Human Rights Commission in its calls for a widening of the inquiry’s terms to include lockdowns and border closures. ATIA Advocacy - October It’s been a big month in advocacy, with the Senate Select Committee’s swift Inquiry into Bilateral Air Service Agreements both commencing and being finalised since the last newsletter! Dean and Ingrid have also been in Canberra, having met with key Ministers and Departments about progressing recommendations in Bilateral Air Services Report, priorities for the Aviation White Paper, as well as skills and training issues. Showing 0 Comment Comments are closed.