As part of the post-COVID recovery, the federal government has pledged $78 million in additional financial aid to Australia’s aviation sector.

In announcing the Aviation Recovery Framework, Deputy Prime Minister Barnaby Joyce highlighted that the strong regional aviation sector had a substantial impact on the nation’s economic prosperity.

Rather than commercial airlines, the framework specifically targets smaller airports and general aviation businesses.

There will be a $30 million reimbursement scheme for general aviation and recreational operators who instal “important safety-boosting technology” in their aircraft and improve the safety outcomes.

There will also be an additional $29 million in grants under a third round of the Regional Airports Program to improve safety and accessibility at Australia’s regional airports and aerodromes, as well as $15 million in grants to upgrade Australia’s most remote aerodromes under the new Remote Airstrip Upgrade Program.

The remaining $4 million has been pledged to expand the government’s Women in the Aviation Industry Initiative, which supports programmes aimed at increasing the number of women employed in the industry.

These new funds will supplement an existing $32.6 million initiative known as the Emerging Aviation Technology Partnerships Program, which aims to speed the development of innovative aviation technologies such as drones and low-emission alternatives.

The additional funds supplement almost $5.3 billion in government assistance provided to the aviation industry since the beginning of the pandemic.