Airline agreement continues to benefit regions

Thursday, 20 October 2016

• Deed of agreement extended for Northern WA air routes until mid-2018
• Agreement maintains current service levels 

Regional communities in northern Western Australia will continue to receive regular air services to and from Perth, following the extension of Skippers Aviation's deed of agreement on air routes for Carnarvon-Monkey Mia and the Northern Goldfields until July 1, 2018.

Transport Minister Bill Marmion said the local communities would maintain their current level of service, with Carnarvon to receive 10 flights a week, while Monkey Mia and Northern Goldfields regional towns would receive four and three flights a week respectively.

"Since 2011, Skippers has operated on these regulated routes under deeds of agreement with the State, and despite declining passenger demand, they have been able to maintain a set level of service over the years," Mr Marmion said.

"Skippers' strategy of using different sized aircraft with 50, 36, 30 or 19 seats, allows the airline operational flexibility to respond to passenger number variations." 

The Liberal National Government would continue to monitor demand and market conditions on the Carnarvon-Monkey Mia and Northern Goldfields routes, and will consider recommended options from the Department of Transport regarding long-term decisions on the routes in late 2017.

The Northern Goldfields air routes include services between Perth and the regional towns of Laverton, Leonora, Meekatharra, Mount Magnet and Wiluna.

The existing deed arrangements on the routes have been extended for a further 12 months beyond their previous expiry date.

Fact File

• The Carnarvon-Monkey Mia and Northern Goldfields routes are regulated by the Department of Transport
• Skippers' deed of agreement on the routes was due to expire on June 27, 2017 and has been extended until July 1, 2018
• Flights can be booked via the Skippers website or through a local travel agent
• For more information about Skippers Aviation, visit http://www.skippers.com.au