![Bankstown from the air. (Paul Sadler)](http://thewofa.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/10/PHAN7464-300x181.jpg)
Sydney Metro Airport Bankstown has announced that it will not impose aeronautical charges on some aircraft operating during weekends between November and the end of January, while it is also offering a 50 per cent discount on aircraft parking.
Under its ‘fly free weekends’ plan, SMA will not levy aeronautical charges on fixed wing aircraft with a maximum takeoff weight of less than 2500kg which fly on Saturdays and Sundays between November 1 and January 31 in an effort to attract more recreational fliers. Additionally, the airport is also offering a 50 per cent discount for two years on parking fees to aircraft under 10,000kg MTOW which make Bankstown their permanent base between October 1 and March 31.
“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,” said SMA CEO Colin Grove.
The initiatives are expected to be well received by the Sydney GA community, which has long had concerns about aeronautical charges at Bankstown, as well as the increased development of non-aeronautical assets at the airport.