Committee to discuss prospects for re-establishing flight services from the Indian Ocean Territories to Asia

THE provision of a regular and reliable air service to the Indian Ocean Territories is critical to residents and economic development.

The Australian Government underwrites the current scheduled Virgin Australia air services from Perth to the Indian Ocean Territories (Christmas Island and Cocos (Keeling) Islands.

Witnesses to successive committee inquiries into the Indian Ocean Territories have called for the establishment of regular air services to the north. The IOTs are physically closer to Asia than mainland Australia and many Indian Ocean Territory residents have close family and cultural ties with Asia. Increased air services to the north may also support increased visitor numbers.

Mr Ed Turner spent the 1980s and 1990s involved in air services provision to Christmas Island. This includes the period when the Christmas Island Casino was operational and there were additional services to the north serving casino visitors. Currently the Chief Operating Officer of Air Timor, Mr Turner will discuss the prospects of re-establishing a viable air service to Indonesia.

Committee Chair, Mr Luke Simpkins MP, said “the Committee is interested to learn more about Mr Turner’s proposal, including current impediments and ways to overcome these.”

PUBLIC HEARING 

Monday 23 November 2015

Committee Room 2R2, Parliament House, Canberra

PROGRAM                            

4:00 pm           Chair’s opening statement

4:05 pm           Air Timor (via teleconference)

4:30 pm           Close

All members of the public are welcome to observe proceedings.

The hearing will be webcast at www.aph.gov.au/live

ends