Qantas and Virgin will get Federal Government backing to operate key domestic routes between major cities and regional centres as coronavirus slams aviation.
The commonwealth will underwrite a range of flights, spending $165 million to help the ailing airlines to stay in the air.
"We know that a strong domestic aviation network is critical to Australia's success and today's announcement demonstrates our commitment, yet again, to maintaining connectivity during this pandemic," Mr McCormack said on Thursday night. It covers flights from all state and territory capitals, along with Albury, Alice Springs, Coffs Harbour, Dubbo, Kalgoorlie, Mildura, Port Lincoln, Rockhampton, Tamworth, Townsville and Wagga Wagga.The new arrangements will last for eight weeks with the government set to undertake a review which will determine if more support is needed.
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