Dear ,

Aviation Australia welcomes you to its new Mach 1 International Newsletter, a monthly edition updating you on the latest information regarding engagement with overseas markets.

The Mach 1 International Newsletter makes it easy for you to get the information you need, ‘at the speed of sound’ with short, sharp and actionable articles from a variety of departments across the organisation. 

VIETJET ANNOUNCES DIRECT FLIGHTS TO BRISBANE

The 16th of June 2023 marked the first Vietjet flight from Ho Chi Minh City to Brisbane. A game changer for all students from Vietnam who can now access two flights per week operating every Monday and Friday.

Brisbane Airport Corporation Chief Executive Officer Gert-Jan de Graaff stated: “Vietnam is a rapidly growing market for Queensland, and we are delighted to have Vietjet join the BNE family. To have Vietnam and the Sunshine State connected for the first time by non-stop flights will deliver benefits in two countries. This historic new service from Vietjet will enable family and friends in Vietnam easy connection to Queensland.”

A full media release can be found here: Vietjet announces first ever direct flights between Vietnam and Queensland (vietjetair.com)

MARKETING TO INTERNATIONAL STUDENTS 

The Education and Services for Overseas Students Act 2000 (ESOS Act) sets out the legal framework governing delivery of education to international students in Australia on a student visa.

The National Code of Practice for providers of education and training to overseas students, also sets out that registered providers must uphold the integrity and reputation of Australia’s education industry.

Standard 1 regulates Marketing information and practices. What does this mean from an agent point of view? While this standard applies to Aviation Australia, agents are asked to follow the same guidelines when marketing Aviation Australia in overseas markets. Therefore, agents are recommended to:

• Ensure that the marketing and promotion of AA courses and education services is not false or misleading; and 
• Include the AA Commonwealth Register of Institutions and Courses for Overseas Students (CRICOS) registered name and registration number in all written and online materials; and
• Must include AA CRICOS registered name and registration number in all written or online material that is distributed or made publicly available.

While the agent marketing plans and co-branded resources must be approved by Aviation Australia before releasing them to the public, it is recommended to always check that the information provided is consistent with standard 1 especially for content requiring translation into local languages.

A full overview of the Standard 1 can be found here: Standard 1: Marketing information and practices - Department of Education, Australian Government

ACTIONS TO END RORTS IN

INTERNATIONAL EDUCATION 

On the 26th of August 2023 the Albanese Government announced a package of measures to support integrity in the international education system and to support genuine international students.

The Government has closed a loophole which allows education providers to shift international students who have been in Australia for less than six months from genuine study to an arrangement designed to facilitate access to work in Australia.

Recent investigations have identified this misuse of ‘concurrent enrolment’ as an integrity issue for the international sector. This change takes effect immediately.

The Government will increase the amount of savings international students will need in order to get a student visa. This requirement has not been indexed since 2019 and needs to increase to reflect higher living expenses. From October 1 2023, international students will need to show evidence of $24,505 in savings, which is a 17% increase on current levels. This increase accounts for indexation since 2019.

The Government will apply additional scrutiny to high-risk cohorts and ask for additional documents to prevent fraud in applications.

A full media release including additional details and changes can be found here: Action to end rorts in international education | Ministers' Media Centre

INTERNATIONAL CLASSES ON PCT TRAINING

Diploma students undertaking the EASA course are now into their practical consolidation training time working in the rotary hangar to fulfill the 1164 hours of practical requirements needed to achieve their qualification.

The rotary hangar features a wide range on training aids and resources including but not limiting to sets of different turbines, a hydraulic workshop, a King Air, a R44 and a Sikorsky S76.

Our students have been recently working on the S76 engine installation. 

The Sikorsky S-76 is a medium-size commercial utility helicopter designed and produced by the American helicopter manufacturer Sikorsky Aircraft. It is the company's first helicopter specifically developed for the civilian market.

YOUR FEEDBACK IS IMPORTANT TO US

Feedback from agents is important to us as well as pivotal in shaping the future of the Aviation industry.

If you have any feedback or ideas to share, simply use the feedback form you can find here.

Aviation Australia’s quality department will action it providing an opportunity for you to be heard and for Aviation Australia to improve the level of service provided to current partners, students and clients.