The McGowan Government and Rex airlines have collaborated to deliver more flights to Albany, Esperance, Carnarvon and Monkey Mia.
From August 31, 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, 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, with the discounted fares made accessible seven days out, and have been in high demand with more than 1,870 fares sold in July compared to 914 fares sold in June.
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 McGowan 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.
As stated by Premier Mark McGowan:
“It’s initiatives like these that help in the recovery of the aviation sector and play an important role in getting local businesses and the tourism sector back on track.
“Prior to the pandemic we had a bumper year in tourism – breaking visitor records and delivering on what we said we would do, which was diversify the economy through tourism.
“Coming out of the pandemic we’re more fortunate than any other State or Territory in the country and we need to use our isolation to our advantage – and that is help rebuild our economy as best as we can, get industry back on its feet and people back into jobs.
“WA is extraordinary and we continue to make every effort to get more people out in the regions and the city, into local businesses and supporting our tourism providers.”
As stated by Transport Minister Rita Saffioti:
“The new increases to regional air services are great news for locals who will now have increased choice of flying to and from Perth.
“While flights haven’t quite returned to pre-COVID schedules, we are well on our way to improving aviation services to and from the regions, which is providing more choice and flexibility for regional residents.
“The increased availability of community airfares has proved popular with more than 1,870 fares sold in July compared to 914 fares sold in June.”
As stated by Tourism Minister Paul Papalia:
“Reports from the State’s regional destinations indicate Western Australians are taking local holidays in high numbers – supporting local tourism operators, small businesses and regional economies.
“These additional flights, available to locals and visitors, provide another incentive for people to experience some of the amazing adventures WA has to offer – with Monkey Mia, Carnarvon, Albany and Esperance all offering unique local holiday options.
“Securing more affordable flights is a key priority for many regional areas which rely on the tourism sector and we are continuing to negotiate with a number of airlines on new partnerships for further destinations.”
