Slot Management Scheme Amendment Determination 1999 (No. 1)

Overview

The Slot Management Scheme Amendment Determination 1999 (No. 1) was enacted to address the specific operational needs of Sydney Airport during the Sydney 2000 Olympic Games, which required modifications to the existing Slot Management Scheme 1998. This legislative instrument was made by the Minister for Transport and Regional Services under the authority of the Sydney Airport Demand Management Act 1997. The policy objective was to ensure efficient and orderly management of airport slots during the Olympic period, enhancing safety and operational efficiency at Sydney Airport. The amendments introduced additional rules to manage the allocation and swapping of slots specifically for the Olympic period, requiring operators to have firm arrangements for aircraft parking and ensuring departure slots were secured alongside arrival slots. These amendments came into force at staggered dates to align with the Olympic period and were subsequently repealed after the conclusion of the Games.

Scope and Application

The Slot Management Scheme Amendment Determination 1999 (No. 1) amends the Slot Management Scheme 1998 to introduce specific requirements and conditions for the allocation of slots at Sydney Airport during the Olympic period. This legislation applies to the Slot Manager, which is the entity responsible for managing the allocation of airport slots, and to air operators seeking to schedule flights during the specified period. The amendments focus on the Sydney Airport, thus their geographic reach is limited to the Commonwealth. The changes introduced by the Determination include the definition of the Olympic period, the necessity for a firm arrangement for aircraft parking, and the requirement for operators to have a departure slot when applying for an arrival slot within the Olympic period. These amendments are in effect from 8 November 1999 and 16 October 2000, with certain provisions being omitted after the Olympic period. The Determination allows for further regulation through subordinate instruments, which may extend or restrict the application of the amended provisions.

Key Provisions

The Slot Management Scheme Amendment Determination 1999 (No. 1) amends the Slot Management Scheme 1998, primarily to introduce specific rules and definitions for the Olympic period. The amendments, detailed in Schedule 1, come into effect on 8 November 1999, with additional changes outlined in Schedule 2 to take effect on 16 October 2000. Under the amendments, the term "Olympic period" is defined as the period beginning on 1 September 2000 and ending on 15 October 2000. The amendments also include a definition for "firm arrangement for parking an aircraft," which refers to a contractually binding agreement or a promise that the Slot Manager is satisfied will be complied with. These provisions are critical in establishing the legal framework for managing aircraft slots during the Olympic period. The Slot Management Scheme Amendment Determination imposes specific obligations on the Slot Manager and aircraft operators regarding the allocation and swapping of slots during the Olympic period. The Slot Manager is required to ensure that a slot for the arrival of an aircraft within the Olympic period is only allocated if the operator has a firm arrangement for parking the aircraft and either already has or obtains a slot for the departure of the aircraft at the same time. Similarly, a slot swap involving an arrival slot within the Olympic period can only be approved if the operator has a firm parking arrangement and a corresponding departure slot. These stringent conditions aim to ensure efficient and orderly management of airport resources during the Olympic period. Failure to comply with the provisions of the Slot Management Scheme Amendment Determination can result in significant legal consequences. Although the determination does not explicitly state penalties for non-compliance, breaches of the Slot Management Scheme 1998, as amended, could potentially lead to enforcement actions under the Sydney Airport Demand Management Act 1997. Such actions could include fines, administrative penalties, or other legal remedies to ensure adherence to the scheme's requirements. The specific penalties would be determined in accordance with the broader legislative framework governing Sydney Airport operations.