NT aviation services awarded grants to keep in the air

Regular Public Transport services have played a significant role in enabling the Territory to respond to the COVID-19 crisis through the retention of critical freight supply chains and ability to transport essential personnel where needed.

Not only are these scheduled flights important for freight to enter communities right across the NT, they also continue to supply crucial goods such as medical supplies and essential workers such as health professionals, electricians, and telecommunications when needed.

To make sure remote parts of the NT continued to have access to essential services, personnel and freight, the NT Government provided a $2 million support package to retain RPT services through April.

After receiving Territory funding, Territory operators are now benefiting from financial support from the Federal Government's $198 million Regional Airline Network Support Program.

The continuation of these services means there are jobs for Territorians, as well as essential freight and services can still make their way to these communities when needed.

To see available flights visit https://coronavirus.nt.gov.au/community-advice/remote-communities

Infrastructure, Planning and Logistics Minister Eva Lawler said: "Our freight industry has never been more important.

"We, the Government acted quickly when it came to securing our freight services and making sure our essential personnel could access parts of the Territory. This funding also made sure local jobs have also been saved.

"Through the meetings this government has been having with the Australian Government we are seeing their vital aviation funding programs support Territorians.

"We will continue to work with the Australian Government and operators making sure their industry has the support they need to retain as many services as possible."

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