Hon Phil Twyford
Minister of Transport
MP for Te Atatū
PĀNUI PĀPĀHO
MEDIA STATEMENT
Transport Minister Phil Twyford today outlined the first tranche of the $600 million aviation sector relief package
announced earlier this week as part of the Government’s $12.1 billion COVID-19 economic response.
The initial part of the aviation package aims to secure the operators of New Zealand’s aviation security system, and
includes:
• Financial support to airlines to pay passenger-based government charges for the next 6 months ($163 million) and to
cover Airways related fees for the next six months ($37 million),
• Any fee rises or pricing reviews from agencies that charge fees at the border (Ministry for Primary Industries, Civil
Aviation Authority, Aviation Security Service, Customs, Airways) are put on hold for 12 months,
• Financial support for Airways with in the face of declining revenue ($70 million).
Phil Twyford says the Government recognises airlines and airports are being hit hard by the global COVID-19 pandemic and
the package is about helping to keep money in their pocket.
“We are moving quickly to help by stepping in to fund things like traffic control and security screening that the
aviation industry normally pay themselves and stopping any increases to fees for the next year. This package will see
the Government temporarily fund these services while airlines experience customer decline.
“These first steps are designed to ensure the essentials of the aviation system continue to run, help keep airlines in
New Zealand and encourage them to increase services faster during the eventual recovery.
“We are also committing to working with the sector and the CAA to ensure there is no red tape stopping airlines ramping
services back up when international conditions improve.
“I’ve been speaking with industry leaders frequently and will continue to be in regular contact to make sure they have
the support they need.
“This is just the start and further initiatives will be developed with the sector to keep critical air freight flowing
and our airports open,” Phil Twyford said.