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ATIA welcomes historic reforms to Sydney Airport slot management

These changes, the most comprehensive reforms in nearly 30 years, will deliver greater reliability, transparency and consumer benefits to Australia’s domestic-aviation market.

ATIA has been a strong and consistent advocate for reforming Sydney Airport’s slot-allocation framework, highlighting the inefficiencies and lack of fairness in the system. These issues have been compounded by rules that disproportionately favour incumbent airlines and create barriers for new entrants, stifling competition and limiting consumer choice.

This week’s independent audit of Sydney Airport’s slot-management system confirmed ATIA’s longstanding concerns, identifying systemic flaws that have hindered the system’s effectiveness.

ATIA’s commissioned report, Slot Misuse and its Impacts, authored by former Qantas economist Dr Tony Webber, further demonstrated there is an economic incentive to optimise last-minute changes to flight schedules within the current framework.

The reforms passed this week align closely with ATIA’s recommendations and are a critical step towards creating a more equitable and transparent aviation sector.
 

QUOTES ATTRIBUTABLE TO ATIA CEO DEAN LONG:

“ATIA has strongly advocated for reforms to Sydney Airport’s slot-management system for many years, recognising the need to prioritise fairness, transparency and competition. These reforms represent a significant victory for Australian travellers and the businesses that serve them.”

“These amendments bring Australia closer to global best practices, with a slot-management system designed to meet the needs of today’s passengers and airlines. Parliament’s timely action ensures these reforms can take effect swiftly, delivering greater consumer outcomes and fostering fair competition in our aviation market.”

“The independent audit and ATIA’s commissioned report have highlighted how systemic flaws in the slot system have allowed inefficiencies to persist. These reforms mark a critical step towards addressing those concerns.”

“ATIA commends the Government for its leadership in passing these historic reforms, and we urge the swift implementation of supporting regulations to ensure their full benefits can be realised. We remain committed to working with the Government and industry stakeholders to create a modern aviation system that supports both consumers and travel businesses.”