The global aviation sector has taken a major hit due to the pandemic as lockdowns and travel restrictions continue across the world

Australia’s aviation sector has been thrown another lifeline.

Domestic airline crew will gain access to Covid support payments of $750 a week, in an extension of the Australian federal government assistance for the aviation industry.

Australia’s Deputy Prime Minister Barnaby Joyce announced a range of measures to “keep domestic aviation ready for takeoff” – and that included assistance to retain workforce capability.

The Deputy PM says the decision to limit assistance to flight and cabin crew outside of hot spots, was due to the importance of the aviation industry in keeping Australia’s economy going.

Australia’s travel market, like the rest of the world, continues to be hammered by COVID

Initially, 50 percent of pilots and cabin crew would be eligible for the $750 a week payment, providing airlines could show their revenue was down at least 30 percent.

Airlines quickly welcomed the assistance, and the extension of key programs subsidising domestic and regional flights until the year’s end.

A half-price airfare initiative set to end in September was also extended until November, in recognition of the fact many cheap seats were sold on flights cancelled by airlines, due to city lockdowns and border closures.

Qantas called the support “much appreciated, given the acute challenges facing the sector”.

Virgin Australia CEO Jayne Hrdlicka said the support for services and crew was “essential” as they continued to navigate the most challenging period in aviation history.

Unions were unimpressed however, calling on the government to extend the assistance to all aviation workers

Transport Workers Union national secretary Michael Kaine said lockdowns affected all aviation workers from check-in staff to caterers, not just some cabin crew and pilots.

The government announcement followed a warning from Qantas Group CEO Alan Joyce that the airline would again have to stand down staff without pay, if current low levels of flying persisted.

In June more than 9000 domestic flights were canceled as a result of lockdowns and border closures, including 5000 by Qantas and Jetstar.