Average regional Australia fares reduced by 35% in past decade: Australia deputy PM

Australia's deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Infrastructure and Transport Anthony Albanese, speaking at the CAPA Australia Pacific Aviation Summit, stated (07-Aug-2013) there has been growth at regional airports in recent years. He explained, "More flights and greater competition have helped bring down the average price of a regional flight by 35 per cent over the past decade alone". On investment in regional and remote airport infrastructure, he commented: "For people living in remote Australia, air services aren't a luxury - they are a lifeline for basic provisions and health services. That's why since coming to Government, we have invested more than $261 million in upgrades and services at regional and remote airports - more than five times what was spent by the former Coalition Government in the preceding six years". He also reaffirmed the White Paper commitment that regional airlines will retain access to slots at Sydney airport in the morning and evening peaks. He explained, "Just recently the Government extended to 2016 the special pricing arrangements at Sydney Airport for regional services. This protects regional airlines from being pushed out in favour of larger commercial interstate and international airlines". [more - original PR]