Sydney Metro Airports will not charge aeronautical fees at Bankstown on weekends over the summer months, and will offer discounted parking for any aircraft that becomes permanently based there over that period.
The moves are designed to encourage more aircraft to use the airport.
From 1 December to 28 February, the company will waive charges for fixed-wing aircraft below 2500 kg MTOW that fly in and out of Bankstown Airport on weekends.
"We are re-introducing the ‘Fly Free Weekends’ incentive to attract more recreational flyers to fly in and out of Bankstown Airport,” said Colin Grove, CEO, Sydney Metro Airports Bankstown and Camden.
“We hope to increase the aviation traffic we attracted on the promotion on previous years. While the airport foregoes considerable revenue with this promotion in aeronautical charges, we consider it is an important initiative to support the associated aeronautical operators on the airport."
The offer will not extend to aircraft already on existing pre-paid schemes, and Airservices Australia tower charges are not included in the free offer.
Sydney Metro is also offering a discount of 50% on parking rates over two years for any new aircraft that adopts Bankstown as its base from 1 December to 28 February.
“We encourage any aircraft owners who have been considering the move to a metropolitan base to consider the financial rewards of our parking discount, as well as the myriad of associated benefits which come from being based at Bankstown Airport, such as access to leading maintenance and avionics companies, training schools, refuelling and assorted aircraft suppliers," Grove said.
“We are serious about supporting the general aviation industry. This initiative is part of a dedicated campaign to market the benefits of the Airport and aims to support general aviation operators through flow-on economic activity."