9 September 2016
BARA has released a major Position Statement describing the requirements for infrastructure services necessary to support commercially viable international air services at the new Western Sydney Airport.
“International airlines recognise that there is significant demand for air transport services in Western Sydney. The commercial success of WSA in attracting international flights will, however, depend on the efficiency of critical aviation infrastructure services”, BARA Executive Director Barry Abrams said.
BARA’s four key infrastructure service outcomes are:
Combined, these outcomes will maximise airline operating efficiencies, minimise industry costs and deliver the best possible service outcomes for passengers and freight forwarders. Expectations of communities will also be met in achieving these outcomes, balancing the impacts of aircraft operations with the economic benefit that the new airport will deliver.
“BARA’s Position Statement identifies the critical role a commercially-focused airport operator will play as a partner in ensuring airlines achieve operational excellence across safety, on time performance, baggage and freight management, as well as the overall passenger experience. The operator’s accountability must extend well beyond asset maintenance to active engagement with all participants at the airport in meeting the needs of airlines, passengers and freight forwarders”, Mr Abrams said.
“Some commentary indicates WSA’s operator will require some form of financial assistance. Efficient infrastructure services will maximise the airport’s total value and therefore are critical to minimise any financial assistance that may be required by the airport operator.
“If initial financial assistance is necessary, BARA believes such funding should come from the Australian Government’s consolidated revenue. BARA does not support the introduction of any form of levy on airfares, either during WSA’s construction phase or subsequent operations, which would effectively impose an additional tax on passengers”, Mr Abrams said.
“BARA’s members also want to see more competitively-priced jet fuel at WSA. Unfortunately, globally-recognised importers of jet fuel have, to date, seen their efforts to bring competition and lower-priced fuel to airlines in Australia frustrated. The success of the new airport will be at risk if the situation at Sydney Airport were replicated at WSA.
“A competitive jet fuel market at WSA is dependent on firstly establishing a more competitive supply at Sydney Airport. This requires arrangements providing open access for any jet fuel importer to the fuel storage and distribution facilities at Sydney Airport.
“WSA also offers a unique ‘greenfield’ opportunity to enhance the efficiency of aircraft operations via the inclusion of new air navigation technologies, supporting the highest safety standards. The development of WSA also offers an opportunity to review the airspace design for all flight paths along the east coast of Australia in supporting an efficient aviation industry.
“BARA supports 24-hours a day, seven days a week operations at WSA, offering international airlines wider and more flexible market opportunities. The International Civil Aviation Organization’s (ICAO) ‘balanced approach’ to aircraft noise mitigation should be applied at WSA and Australian airports more generally.
“WSA’s commercial success, with flow-on benefits for the fast growing region, will fundamentally depend on the ability of industry participants to deliver value to passengers and freight forwarders. There is much that can be done prior to the airport’s opening to unlock its future potential economic and social contribution”, Mr Abrams said.
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