The Australian Competition and Consumer Commission has accepted most of the price changes proposed by Airservices Australia for terminal navigation services.
Some price increases have been capped at lower levels than proposed pending resolution of some outstanding issues. The price changes involve price reductions at five airports, including Sydney, Melbourne and Brisbane, and increases at 22 airports. This is part of a move towards location specific pricing and is revenue neutral to Airservices Australia.
Currently charges are set on a network basis at a rate of $5.19/tonne at each airport for terminal navigation services. 'The ACCC recognises Airservices Australia's arguments about the efficiency benefits of the move towards location specific pricing for terminal navigation charges,' Acting ACCC Chairman, Mr Allan Asher, said today.
'These adjustments are the first in a three stage process to location specific pricing. The new charges will improve transparency and will send appropriate pricing signals for efficient use of airport services and for new investment'. The ACCC has reservations about the price increases proposed by Airservices Australia at three airports: Adelaide, Canberra and Coolangatta. Airservices Australia sought an increase from $5.19/tonne to $9.00/tonne at the three airports.
For the present, the ACCC's decision is to cap the price at $6.75/tonne. This is the same as the price level which Airservices Australia applies to regional and general aviation airports. 'The ACCC understands that Airservices Australia may re-notify the ACCC for increases in charges at these airports,' Mr Asher said.
'As part of the re-notification process the ACCC will further review a number of issues in consultation with Airservices Australia, users and other interested parties.'