AMDA Foundation CEO Justin Giddings said this week that AMDA would soon establish a general aviation strategic funding program.
Giddings made the announcement at the 2026 Regional Aviation Association (RAAA) Convention in Cairns.
“There will be two pillars,” Giddings said at the opening plenary session. “The first pillar is on capability and pathways, which will include scholarships and workforce development and workforce development initiatives.
“The second pillar will be infrastructure support, so providing funding for facilities, operational capability and long-term sustainability.”
Giddings did not provide details of the funding program but was able to say that a complete announcement was expected in the third quarter of this year.
“We’re finalising this at the moment and hope to announce it in August or September. It will be a six-figure amount for each year and people will be able to apply for funding online and get support in the general aviation sector.”
AMDA Foundation committed to developing a GA strategic plan in July 2025 after withdrawing as the organiser of Airshows Downunder Shellharbour, stating a need to redirect resources into supporting other aspects of aviation.