27 August ATIA’s major wins in Aviation White Paper August 27, 2024 By Amanda Rixon Media Release 0 Nine months of tireless advocacy has paid off with the Australian Travel Industry Association (ATIA) securing several significant wins in the Federal Government’s Aviation White Paper. Key achievements: 1. Exclusion from the Aviation Industry Ombuds Scheme: The Government has heeded ATIA’s calls to exclude travel agents from the new Aviation Industry Ombuds Scheme. This critical decision prevents travel agents from being burdened with cash-flowing refund schemes — a challenge that has created significant issues in markets like the US. The Ombuds Scheme will focus on holding airlines and airports accountable for their conduct, ensuring they meet their obligations to consumers without unfairly targeting travel agents. 2. Introduction of the Aviation Customer Rights Charter: The White Paper includes the establishment of a new Aviation Customer Rights Charter, which will set clear standards for how airlines and airports must treat customers. This includes clear guidelines on entitlements to refunds and support during flight disruptions, ensuring a fairer and more transparent experience for travellers. 3. Aviation-specific disability standards: In line with ATIA’s advocacy, the Government will create new aviation-specific disability standards. These standards will require airlines and airports to work collaboratively to reduce barriers for people with disabilities, making air travel more accessible and aiding travel agents in supporting these travellers. 4. Progress on aviation competition: ATIA’s efforts have also contributed to the Government’s commitment to reforming the slot system at Sydney Airport, building on previous announcements. These reforms are expected to enhance competition, benefiting both consumers and the travel industry. 5. Regional connectivity focus: The Government will investigate regional airfares and explore options to maintain appropriate levels of regional air connectivity at fair prices, another area where ATIA’s advocacy has played a vital role. Quotes attributable to ATIA CEO Dean Long (available for interview): “These achievements mark a major win for our members. The exclusion of travel agents from the Ombuds Scheme is particularly significant, ensuring our industry is not unfairly burdened. We’re also pleased to see progress in other critical areas, including disability access, aviation competition and regional connectivity.” “ATIA will continue to represent the interests of our members throughout the consultation process, ensuring that these initiatives are implemented in a way that benefits both the travel industry and the travelling public.” Related Articles 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. ATIA’s asks reflected in main Senate Inquiry Report Many of the Australian Travel Industry Association (ATIA)’s recommendations to the Senate Select Committee’s Inquiry into Commonwealth Bilateral Air Service Agreements on how Australia’s aviation industry can be reformed to better support consumers have been accepted. ACCC report underscores need for urgent aviation reforms The Australian Travel Industry Association (ATIA) is again calling for reforms in the wake of today’s ACCC report, which underscores the critical need for public-policy settings that support competition within the aviation sector in Australia. New Aviation Industry Ombuds Scheme: A win for consumer rights The Australian Travel Industry Association (ATIA) is welcoming the Albanese Government’s establishment of a new Aviation Industry Ombuds Scheme. Singapore Airlines returns as NTIA major sponsor The highly anticipated National Travel Industry Awards will be held in Melbourne on the 18th of November and AFTA is thrilled to announce Singapore Airlines as the major sponsor for the event for the second year running. ATIA’s first year of impact One year after transforming into the Australian Travel Industry Association (ATIA), we are proud to be fulfilling our commitment to delivering value for our members and serving as a strong advocate for both international and domestic travel by Australians. Showing 0 Comment