NSW Take Off Fund

Purpose and Program Overview

The NSW Take Off Fund, administered by the NSW Government, provides financial and marketing support to airlines launching new or additional flight routes into NSW. It aims to increase airline capacity, grow the visitor economy, and support tourism-related jobs by boosting inbound visitation and unlocking new international markets.

The program offers $12.5 million to supercharge the aviation sector, to add 8.5 million airline seats. It complements other initiatives like insurance and complements private investment, enhancing NSW’s competitiveness as a travel destination.

The fund plays a broader role in supporting the tourism and aviation industries, driving economic prosperity through increased visitor spending and trade. By focusing on key gateways like Sydney, Western Sydney, and Newcastle, it fosters innovation in route development and regional connectivity.

Key Grant Details

• Grant amount: Varies based on project; financial and marketing support.
• Application open and close dates: Not specified; check the NSW Government website.
• Eligible industries or business types: Airlines servicing or planning to service NSW.
• Required co-contributions: Not specified.
• Location/state/territory applicability: New South Wales.

Priority Sectors

The program prioritises aviation and tourism, focusing on domestic and international routes into NSW gateways.

Funding Scope

• Minimum and maximum amounts: Not specified.
• Categories or streams of funding:
  • Route incentives: Subsidies for new or expanded services.
  • Marketing support: Promotions to generate demand.
• Project timeline or eligible funding duration: Not specified; tied to route development.

Grant Amount in Total

The full grant amount offered totals $12.5 million.

Eligibility Criteria

• Business structure or size: Airlines operating in NSW.
• Registered business location: Not specified; routes must service NSW.
• Minimum/maximum turnover: Not specified.
• Insurance or compliance obligations: Not specified.
• ABN/GST status: Not specified.

Eligible Activities and Expenses

• Launching new domestic or international routes.
• Adding services to existing routes.
• Marketing campaigns for route promotion.
• Demand generation initiatives.

Assessment Process

• Competitive or entitlement-based: Competitive.
• Key evaluation criteria:
  • Potential economic impact on NSW.
  • Alignment with visitor economy goals.
  • Feasibility of route development.

Recent Program Updates

Announced in July 2025 as part of the 2025–26 budget, the NSW Take Off Fund replaces the Aviation Attraction Fund. It includes $12.5 million to grow airline capacity, with a focus on achieving 8.5 million additional seats. The Western Sydney International Take-Off Fund complements it with $16 million for the new airport.

Application Tips

• Verify alignment with NSW visitor economy priorities.
• Prepare evidence of economic benefits and route feasibility.
• Engage with Destination NSW early for guidance.
• Submit detailed proposals highlighting job creation potential.

Where to Get Help

Consider consulting with a professional grant specialist like Pattens Group. We offer initial assessments to review your business’s eligibility and evaluate how well your project aligns with the grant’s objectives. Detailed program information and application portals are available on Destination NSW and NSW Government websites.