Aviation industry players call for A$1b privatisation of Airservices Australia

Air traffic control provider Airservices Australia should be privatised by the federal govt in a move that could raise A$1b, according to players at the smaller end of the local aviation industry. The Australian Aviation Associations' Forum (TAAAF) said Thursday privatisation similar to the not-for-profit model used in Canada would make the air traffic control group more efficient. TAAAF proposed half of the proceeds could be returned to the general govt funding pool, with the remaining $500m to be used to create an Aviation Future Fund that would provide industry training and support technology development. TAAAF represents regional airlines, recreational, helicopter and business aviation groups but not Qantas and Virgin Australia. <br/>