The Aerial Application Association of Australia (AAAA or the 4As) is the national peak advocacy and membership organisation for aviation companies (known as operators), pilots and support staff who undertake aerial application work.
We operate as a not-for-profit company, overseen by a 13-member Board of Directors, and staffed by a small team in an office in Canberra.
Working closely with our members, regulators, industry and the Australian community, we foster and support a sustainable aerial application industry based on the professionalism of operators, pilots and staff, and the pursuit of industry best practice.
Industry Impact
Membership of the AAAA consists primarily of operators of agricultural aircraft. There are currently approximately 130 active operators in Australia of which over 75% are financial members of the Association. AAAA members control over 90% of application aircraft in use.
Capital investment within the industry exceeds $200 million. Agricultural aviation directly employs 2,000 personnel comprising pilots, field staff, maintenance staff and administrators. Part time seasonal positions – principally loader mixers and support staff – number 2,000.
The industry utilises over 300 special purpose aircraft, as well as a wide range of supporting vehicles and equipment, along with established aircraft maintenance facilities throughout the agricultural areas of Australia.
Beyond our direct economic impact through providing aerial agriculture and firefighting services, our industry is a vital contributor to the economic vitality of rural and regional communities nationwide. Aerial application businesses provide employment opportunities for a diverse range of professionals, including pilots, field staff, maintenance technicians, operational and administrative personnel. We actively engage local businesses and suppliers, fostering economic growth and sustainability throughout the country.
AAAA History
The Aerial Application Association of Australia began in July 1958 as the Aerial Agricultural Association of Australia and was a joint initiative of the then Department of Civil Aviation and the Bureau of Agricultural Economics to ensure an ongoing focus on promoting industry professionalism.
In 2015, we changed our name from the Aerial Agricultural Association of Australia to the ‘Aerial Application Association of Australia’. The change better reflected the wide range of aviation businesses and pilots that the Association represents, as well as the breadth of work our members undertake.
Purpose-led, Value-driven
Our vision
‘Our vision is for a safe, sustainable aerial application industry working for the good of Australia.’
Our purpose
‘Promote, foster, encourage and support a sustainable aerial application industry based on the professionalism of operators, pilots and staff, and the pursuit of industry best practice.’
Our values
- We work in the interests of our members
- We strive for continuous improvement
- We model and practise professionalism
- We respect and promote sound, tested science
- We strive for quality in our work and our industry
Our strategic priorities
- Safety – We promote safety through training, programs and resources.
- Environment – We promote and provide ongoing training, tools and support to help members and industry partners provide aerial application solutions that meet and exceed established environmental guidelines and practices.
- Regulation – We acknowledge the need for sensible regulation to ensure safe operations with positive community effect. We work with regulators and members to guide the development of regulation and provide training and support to implement regulation as needed.
- Image – We operate in a potentially controversial environment where the industry’s vital support of agriculture can be challenged. We provide support to members to act in a lawful safe manner, seek to resolve conflicts, and promote the aerial application industry as responsible, professional and vital.
- Value for money – We operate in a professional manner, and we provide members with high quality education, training, tools and support to build industry capacity to manage aerial application businesses in accordance with world’s best practice.