Yes, We are open for business!
Black Diamond Aviation is open for business and we still delivering on our promise to get you to your destination safely!
In these new unprecedented times, where the world is currently managing the affects and restrictions imposed by the Coronavirus COVID-19, Black Diamond Aviation is also carefully working within the boundaries of the Australian Government, the Northern Territory Government and various Land Councils. There are some important information our passengers need to know too, and we have provided updates below as travel becomes more restricted.
For a more detailed conversation of what you need before you travel, please contact our Operations Team on 0413 443 544. We look forward to having you on board very soon!
In these new unprecedented times, where the world is currently managing the affects and restrictions imposed by the Coronavirus COVID-19, Black Diamond Aviation is also carefully working within the boundaries of the Australian Government, the Northern Territory Government and various Land Councils. There are some important information our passengers need to know too, and we have provided updates below as travel becomes more restricted.
For a more detailed conversation of what you need before you travel, please contact our Operations Team on 0413 443 544. We look forward to having you on board very soon!
IMPORTANT UPDATE - 06/04/2020
The Northern Territory Government’s delegated decision maker under the Biosecurity Declaration 2020 has issued an exemption to all essential air freight services from the Biosecurity Determination in respect to Designation Areas of the Northern Territory. This has the effect that all aviation essential freight services within the Northern Territory may continue to operate without the requirement for an Approved Essential Worker Permit under a ‘zero contact’ approach. That is, no contact must occur between the person delivering the goods and residents in the community.
To minimise the risk of transmission of COVID-19, Black Diamond Aviation asks that each community nominate one person to receive freight, and for that person to keep a 1.5m distance from our air crew at all times. Community residents MUST NOT approach the aircraft or pilot during freight deliveries.
This request aligns with our COVID-19 Management Plan, which can be found below:
The Northern Territory Government’s delegated decision maker under the Biosecurity Declaration 2020 has issued an exemption to all essential air freight services from the Biosecurity Determination in respect to Designation Areas of the Northern Territory. This has the effect that all aviation essential freight services within the Northern Territory may continue to operate without the requirement for an Approved Essential Worker Permit under a ‘zero contact’ approach. That is, no contact must occur between the person delivering the goods and residents in the community.
To minimise the risk of transmission of COVID-19, Black Diamond Aviation asks that each community nominate one person to receive freight, and for that person to keep a 1.5m distance from our air crew at all times. Community residents MUST NOT approach the aircraft or pilot during freight deliveries.
This request aligns with our COVID-19 Management Plan, which can be found below:
| BLACK DIAMOND AVIATION - COVID19 MANAGEMENT PLAN.pdf |
IMPORTANT UPDATE - 30/03/2020
The Chief Minister of the Northern Territory introduced strict border controls for the Northern Territory, meaning that from 24 March 2020 anyone arriving from interstate or overseas will have to self isolate.
These restrictions were then tighten with the The Chief Minister of the Northern Territory announcing that from midnight 1 April 2020, all travellers entering the Northern Territory from interstate – including Territorians returning home – will be required to spend 14 days in forced quarantine, not self-quarantine. This measure also applies to people returning from overseas.
To ensure we work within these new travel restrictions, Black Diamond Aviation will now require every passenger to present the following documentation to us at the time of making your travel booking and again prior to boarding our aircraft:
The Chief Minister of the Northern Territory introduced strict border controls for the Northern Territory, meaning that from 24 March 2020 anyone arriving from interstate or overseas will have to self isolate.
These restrictions were then tighten with the The Chief Minister of the Northern Territory announcing that from midnight 1 April 2020, all travellers entering the Northern Territory from interstate – including Territorians returning home – will be required to spend 14 days in forced quarantine, not self-quarantine. This measure also applies to people returning from overseas.
To ensure we work within these new travel restrictions, Black Diamond Aviation will now require every passenger to present the following documentation to us at the time of making your travel booking and again prior to boarding our aircraft:
- If you have entered the Northern Territory on or after 24 March 2020, evidence of 14-days in isolation
- A copy of your Designated Area Compliance Form (Click here for this form)
- A valid Land Council permit, allowing you to enter a biosecurity zone/area (Click here for this form)
- If you are an Essential Worker, you must present your AREW ID Card (Click here for this form)
- If you are travelling for work, a letter of support from your employer confirming your work in a biosecurity zone/area
IMPORTANT UPDATE - 28/03/2020
As of 11.59PM AEDT Thursday 26 March 2020, the Groote Archipelago will be declared a ‘Designated Area’ under the Biosecurity Act (Biosecurity Determination), and as such from this time, anyone wishing to enter the Groote Archipelago will need to self-isolate for 14 days.
There will be exceptions to this requirement for essential service providers. This requirement expires on 18 June 2020, but may be extended if considered necessary.
On top of this measure, the Anindilyakwa Land Council (ALC) has asked GEMCO to participate in a two-week cessation of travel to and from the Groote Archipelago. This means no one will be able to come in or out of the Groote Archipelago between COB 31 March 2020 and 14 April 2020. Rare exceptions may be made in the case of emergencies.
After 14 April 2020, anyone coming to the Groote Archipelago must apply for a permit from the ALC. Permits will only be given to persons who:
As of 11.59PM AEDT Thursday 26 March 2020, the Groote Archipelago will be declared a ‘Designated Area’ under the Biosecurity Act (Biosecurity Determination), and as such from this time, anyone wishing to enter the Groote Archipelago will need to self-isolate for 14 days.
There will be exceptions to this requirement for essential service providers. This requirement expires on 18 June 2020, but may be extended if considered necessary.
On top of this measure, the Anindilyakwa Land Council (ALC) has asked GEMCO to participate in a two-week cessation of travel to and from the Groote Archipelago. This means no one will be able to come in or out of the Groote Archipelago between COB 31 March 2020 and 14 April 2020. Rare exceptions may be made in the case of emergencies.
After 14 April 2020, anyone coming to the Groote Archipelago must apply for a permit from the ALC. Permits will only be given to persons who:
- Have undertaken a 14-day isolation period on-island or off-island or satisfied a medical test that they do not have coronavirus;
- Have not showed any symptoms of the coronavirus;
- Have not been exposed to any coronavirus potential, or any person with one or more signs or symptoms of the coronavirus.
IMPORTANT UPDATE - 27/03/2020
From 11:59pm on Thursday 26 March, remote communities in the Northern Territory (NT) were closed to all non-essential travel in response to concerns about the spread of coronavirus (COVID-19).
People cannot enter 'designated areas' around Australia except in the following circumstances:
There are no restrictions on leaving a designated biosecurity area, however, anyone wishing to re-enter must also quarantine for 14 days in an excluded area within the Northern Territory prior to re-entering or demonstrate they are an approved remote essential worker.
These Local Government Areas (LGAs) in the NT are designated areas:
The following are excluded from the designated areas:
Exemption applies to those requiring entry to provide an essential activity. An exemption must be sought and approved prior to travel, and Aboriginal land councils will be involved in the permissions process. Find out more about the exemption process for approved remote essential workers.
From 11:59pm on Thursday 26 March, remote communities in the Northern Territory (NT) were closed to all non-essential travel in response to concerns about the spread of coronavirus (COVID-19).
People cannot enter 'designated areas' around Australia except in the following circumstances:
- they have quarantined for 14 days in an excluded area within the NT prior to entering the designated area, or
- they can demonstrate they are an approved remote essential worker.
There are no restrictions on leaving a designated biosecurity area, however, anyone wishing to re-enter must also quarantine for 14 days in an excluded area within the Northern Territory prior to re-entering or demonstrate they are an approved remote essential worker.
These Local Government Areas (LGAs) in the NT are designated areas:
- Tiwi Islands
- West Arnhem
- East Arnhem including:
- the Town of Nhulunbuy unincorporated LGA areas and
- the Town of Alyangula unincorporated LGA areas
- West Daly
- Roper Gulf
- Victoria Daly (excluding the Pine Creek Ward)
- Barkly (excluding Tennant Creek)
- Central Desert
- McDonnell.
The following are excluded from the designated areas:
- pastoral properties not subject to exclusive native title
- the Local Government Areas of:
- Darwin
- Palmerston
- Litchfield
- Coomalie
- Wagait
- Belyuen
- Katherine
- Alice Springs
Exemption applies to those requiring entry to provide an essential activity. An exemption must be sought and approved prior to travel, and Aboriginal land councils will be involved in the permissions process. Find out more about the exemption process for approved remote essential workers.
COMPANY STATEMENT - 23/03/2020
We are open for business!
At Black Diamond Aviation we are working around the clock to make sure that we do everything we can to support and protect our clients, staff and the communities and homelands we service.
We have created a COVID-19 Management Plan to outline the measures we are taking during this time. This plan can be viewed by clicking on the file link below (this plan is continuously revised as the Australian Government, Northern Territory Government and Local Councils update travel restrictions.
We are open for business!
At Black Diamond Aviation we are working around the clock to make sure that we do everything we can to support and protect our clients, staff and the communities and homelands we service.
We have created a COVID-19 Management Plan to outline the measures we are taking during this time. This plan can be viewed by clicking on the file link below (this plan is continuously revised as the Australian Government, Northern Territory Government and Local Councils update travel restrictions.
| BLACK DIAMOND AVIATION - COVID19 MANAGEMENT PLAN.pdf |
IMPORTANT UPDATE - 19/03/2020
It is so very important for passengers to inform us if they feel unwell.
Please be aware that we may ask you not to board our aircraft and to seek medical assistance prior to flying.
We understand that the symptoms of the common cold and influenza are in some ways similar to the COVID-19 virus, and so we respectively ask that if you have cold/flu symptoms, have come in contact with anyone that has COVID-19, or have tested positive for COVID-19 that you DO NOT enter our work space.
To know more, or to identify the symptoms of coronavirus, read more on here.
It is so very important for passengers to inform us if they feel unwell.
Please be aware that we may ask you not to board our aircraft and to seek medical assistance prior to flying.
We understand that the symptoms of the common cold and influenza are in some ways similar to the COVID-19 virus, and so we respectively ask that if you have cold/flu symptoms, have come in contact with anyone that has COVID-19, or have tested positive for COVID-19 that you DO NOT enter our work space.
To know more, or to identify the symptoms of coronavirus, read more on here.
COMPANY STATEMENT - 16/03/2020
Black Diamond Aviation is committed to your safety first, and this commitment continues throughout this time when the world is dealing with the COVID-19 (Coronavirus) pandemic.
We understand that many people’s travel plans have been impacted by the spread of Coronavirus and various Government and Council travel restrictions.
This situation is unprecedented, evolving and challenging for all involved. Whilst this is outside of our control, we are doing everything we can to support and protect our clients, staff and the communities and homelands we service.
First, while you are flying with us, you can be assured that we are doing everything in our power to ensure clean and sanitised aircraft, as well as healthy pilots to provide you with our continued service.
The strategies we have implemented include:
- Expanding sanitising protocols by washing each of our aircraft daily, including sanitising armrests, head rests, handles and areas that are touched regularly. Aircraft floor, walls and seats will also be cleaned.
- Posting notifications and signs to educate our clients on the symptoms of Coronavirus.
- Posting notifications for our employees on the importance of hand-washing and good personal hygiene.
- All of our employees have been given information with regard to symptoms, transmission and self-isolation and have been trained to ask each passenger at check in if they have travelled to or transited through any high or moderate risk country in the past 14 days, and if they have recently experienced any Coronavirus symptoms.
- Passengers presenting unwell at check-in may be refused travel.
In addition to the above, hand sanitiser is available at our check-in office at Gove Airport and with each of our pilots, available to all passengers, prior to boarding our aircraft in the communities and homelands. We strongly encourage every passenger to make use of this facility.
It is important to note that Black Diamond Aviation has a very strong commitment toward Territorians and will continue to follow the advice of the Australian Government Department of Health, the NT Government and the Northern Land Council to limit the risk of COVID-19.
We invite our clients to stay in touch and to continue a conversation with us. As this situation is ever changing, and travel restrictions may lift in the near future, we would like to encourage our clients to contact us at any time to discuss their travel arrangements.
Kindest regards,
Matthew and Maché Collins
Directors
Black Diamond Aviation is committed to your safety first, and this commitment continues throughout this time when the world is dealing with the COVID-19 (Coronavirus) pandemic.
We understand that many people’s travel plans have been impacted by the spread of Coronavirus and various Government and Council travel restrictions.
This situation is unprecedented, evolving and challenging for all involved. Whilst this is outside of our control, we are doing everything we can to support and protect our clients, staff and the communities and homelands we service.
First, while you are flying with us, you can be assured that we are doing everything in our power to ensure clean and sanitised aircraft, as well as healthy pilots to provide you with our continued service.
The strategies we have implemented include:
- Expanding sanitising protocols by washing each of our aircraft daily, including sanitising armrests, head rests, handles and areas that are touched regularly. Aircraft floor, walls and seats will also be cleaned.
- Posting notifications and signs to educate our clients on the symptoms of Coronavirus.
- Posting notifications for our employees on the importance of hand-washing and good personal hygiene.
- All of our employees have been given information with regard to symptoms, transmission and self-isolation and have been trained to ask each passenger at check in if they have travelled to or transited through any high or moderate risk country in the past 14 days, and if they have recently experienced any Coronavirus symptoms.
- Passengers presenting unwell at check-in may be refused travel.
In addition to the above, hand sanitiser is available at our check-in office at Gove Airport and with each of our pilots, available to all passengers, prior to boarding our aircraft in the communities and homelands. We strongly encourage every passenger to make use of this facility.
It is important to note that Black Diamond Aviation has a very strong commitment toward Territorians and will continue to follow the advice of the Australian Government Department of Health, the NT Government and the Northern Land Council to limit the risk of COVID-19.
We invite our clients to stay in touch and to continue a conversation with us. As this situation is ever changing, and travel restrictions may lift in the near future, we would like to encourage our clients to contact us at any time to discuss their travel arrangements.
Kindest regards,
Matthew and Maché Collins
Directors
