COVID-19 Regional Airlines Funding Assistance

Overview

The Regional Airlines Funding Assistance Program (the Program) was announced as part of the Australian Government’s response to the economic impact of COVID-19 and in response to its unprecedented and likely sustained impact on the domestic airline industry. The objective of the program is to assist airlines and air operators providing services to regional and remote locations to continue to provide essential air links by providing financial cashflow assistance where required according to the criteria in the Grant Guidelines. The funding is a ‘last resort’ option when a range of other strategies to manage an airline’s financial position have been undertaken. Airlines and air operators may apply to be considered for financial assistance during the period of the program. If approved, a grant agreement is entered into with the Department for the period to 31  December 2020. The airline then considers if or when it submits a claim under the agreement. The application and each claim will be assessed based on analysis of the organisation’s financial situation.