We recognise it is necessary to carry out these reforms in a measured way, because Australians are rightly conservative about air safety. As a community, we value our strong air safety record and are concerned if people suggest our safety is at risk. This statement consolidates a number of decisions that the Government has taken about aviation safety issues over the past two years. The Australian aviation industry is sophisticated and diverse. Australia's major carriers, Qantas and Ansett, are substantial airlines by any standard.
Airlines operate only a small proportion of the aircraft used in Australia.
The vast majority of the aircraft fleet is used in general aviation, such as flying training, charters, or recreational flying. Australia is an ideal location for general aviation businesses such as pilot training, due to our good climate and uncluttered airspace. In the aerospace sector, Australian firms manufacture components for Boeing, Airbus, and Lockheed Martin, as well as light aircraft that are purpose built for our flying conditions. For example, Eagle Aircraft, based in Perth, manufactures an innovative single-engined light aircraft with a forward wing. The aircraft, the Eagle 150, is certificated to international standards, and is now sold in the United States.