A safer, more sustainable, inclusive, and resilient Pacific aviation sector is central to the region's prosperity and economic development. It underpins tourism, education, and business opportunities in the Pacific.
Australia is working in partnership with the Pacific, whole-of-government agencies, multilateral organisations, and partner governments to deliver the Australia-Pacific Partnerships for Aviation Program (2023-2028).
What type of aviation support is Australia providing?
Partnering with Pacific governments, aviation authorities, airports and airlines, Australia is supporting:
- Development of more harmonised aviation strategies, policies and regulation
- Safety audits across the aviation sector in the Pacific
- Aviation skills, education and training
- Development of airports as economic gateways, including through commercial and sustainable master planning support
- Capacity building through technical assistance and strategic planning
- Strengthened aviation meteorological capabilities through new observing infrastructure, training for forecasters and peer-to-peer support
- Enhanced gender equality, disability inclusion, and environmental sustainability in the Pacific aviation sector
- Facilitation of regional partnerships
- Promoting intra-Pacific connectivity
Australia's Pacific Flights Program
A key area of Australia's support is delivered through the Pacific Flights Program. In 2020, the Pacific Flights Program was established to facilitate regular commercial flights to mitigate the economic and humanitarian impacts of COVID-19. This support enabled the transportation of essential supplies, vaccines, and the movement of people including healthcare workers.
Post-COVID-19, the Pacific Flights Program continues under the Australia-Pacific Partnerships for Aviation Program. It now focuses on intra-regional connectivity and economic growth, including through tourism.
Australia's support for aviation education, skills and training
The Australia-Pacific Partnerships for Aviation Program supports aviation skills and education through scholarships delivered under the Australia Awards Program, offering students from the Pacific Islands region the opportunity to study Aviation Management at Griffith University and Aircraft Maintenance Engineering at Fiji National University and Aviation Australia.
Contact
Australia-Pacific Partnerships for Aviation Program
Pacific Aviation Section
Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade
RG Casey Building
John McEwen Crescent
Barton ACT 0221