Regional aviation continues on the flight path to recovery

The WA Government and Rex airlines have collaborated to deliver more flights to Albany, Esperance, Carnarvon and Monkey Mia.

From August 31 2020, Albany will receive 14 services a week up from eight, a 75 per cent increase, and Esperance services will increase from eight services a week to 13.

The Gascoyne will also receive additional flights, with an increase from five to eight services weekly for Carnarvon, and an additional flight per week for Monkey Mia, taking it up to four air services a week.

These additional air services complement those announced in June (2020), when the number of services doubled on the Albany and Esperance air routes and Carnarvon air services increased from three to five. Patronage on the routes is increasing steadily.

Community fare availability also had a boost in June (2020), with the discounted fares made accessible seven days out, and have been in high demand with more than 1,870 fares sold in July (2020) compared to 914 fares sold in June (2020).

The one-way community fare is priced at $139 for Albany, $138 for Esperance, $158 for Monkey Mia and $199 for Carnarvon. The community fare is available to all passengers, including visitors, providing an important additional boost for the tourism sectors of these regions.

The WA Government is continuing to work with the Commonwealth, airlines, local governments and industry to ensure accessibility and affordability of regional flights, and recently announced a $9 million investment, as part of the WA Recovery Plan, to support the aviation industry.

The State Government’s Wander out Yonder campaign has been successful in encouraging Western Australians to visit regional WA, with recent reports indicating most parts of the State have been enjoying strong visitation.

Source: WA Government