Media Releases
Wednesday, 23rd July 2008
Thai and Australian airlines are now able to offer additional passenger and freight services between and beyond our two countries, thanks to new aviation arrangements negotiated by the Rudd Labor Government.
The Australia/Thailand aviation market is Australia’s 6th largest, with 980,000 people travelling between our two countries in the twelve months to May this year – up almost 20 per cent on the previous twelve month period.
Without doubt, Thailand has become a popular destination for Australian families wanting a holiday and backpackers looking for adventure.
The new agreement will provide many benefits to both country’s airlines and economies, including:
From March next year, the maximum number of seats on flights between Australia and Thailand will reach over 1.87 million each year – 28.6 per cent more than were available under the old bilateral aviation arrangements.
The only remaining limit on passenger services are those restricting Thai carriers from flying via the United States to Australia and beyond Australia to the United States. Similarly, Australian airlines will still not be allowed to fly to and from the People’s Republic of China via any Thai airport.
Through deals like the one we have just negotiated with the Government of Thailand, the Rudd Labor Government is successfully liberalising the international aviation market while protecting the national interest – an approach that’s reducing air fares for Australians and providing economic opportunities for the Australian aviation industry.
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Electorate Office
334a Marrickville Rd
Marrickville NSW 2204
Phone: 02 9564 3588
Parliament House Office
Parliament House
Canberra ACT 2600
Phone: 02 6277 7700
Phone: (02) 9564 3588
Fax: (02) 9564 1734
Email: A.Albanese.MP@aph.gov.au
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Authorised by Anthony Albanese. 334a Marrickville Rd, Marrickville NSW 2204.