Get all your news in one place.
100’s of premium titles.
One app.
Start reading
Newcastle Herald
Newcastle Herald
National
Nick Bielby

Government announces $300m support for small regional airlines

Airline operator: FlyPelican owner Marty Hawley.

The owner of a Hunter-based regional airline has welcomed the federal government's $300 million coronavirus support package for small operators.

FlyPelican's Marty Hawley said he was looking forward to hearing further details of how and when the support will be implemented, after Deputy Prime Minister Michael McCormack announced the funding on Saturday.

Mr Hawley told the Newcastle Herald last week that his company required financial help to survive and needed an answer from the government in a matter of days - not weeks.

Labor Newcastle MP Sharon Claydon said she spoke with Mr McCormack about the plight of small operators like FlyPelican due to the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic.

"Airlines aren't like other businesses," she said.

"They play a key role in connecting families, friends and communities, while also promoting trade and supporting essential services. Importantly, they help drive economic growth across our vast nation."

We have removed our paywall from our stories about the coronavirus. This is a rapidly changing situation and we want to ensure our readers are as informed as possible. If you would like to support our journalists, you can subscribe here

Sign up to read this article
Read news from 100’s of titles, curated specifically for you.
Already a member? Sign in here
Related Stories
Top stories on inkl right now
One subscription that gives you access to news from hundreds of sites
Already a member? Sign in here
Our Picks
Fourteen days free
Download the app
One app. One membership.
100+ trusted global sources.