The first air service between Broome and Derby took to the air today, providing Derby travellers with air access to Perth for the first time since 2016 via connecting flights from Broome.
Transport Minister Rita Saffioti and Kimberley MLA Divina D'Anna joined the first flight from Broome to Derby.
Aviair will operate three return flights per week on the new Derby-Broome route with a fixed airfare of $119 one way under an agreement with the McGowan Government to trial the service for 12 months with a subsidy of up to $1 million.
The State Government worked closely with the Shire of Derby-West Kimberley to deliver the new service after the tender for a Perth to Derby air service was unable to identify a value for money proposal.
Earlier this year, a third weekly air service between Balgo and Kununurra via Halls Creek was introduced and has been well utilised by East Kimberley residents.
A large-scale survey to determine Western Australians' views about the availability and affordability of regional air services closed last night.
The survey's results will help shape the Government's future regional air travel initiatives and be used to measure change in public sentiment about the availability and affordability of air travel within WA.
The McGowan Government has committed to a two-zone airfare cap which will see the cost of flights to and from Perth capped at $199 each way for regional Western Australians living within 1,000km of Perth, and $299 for regional residents living further than 1,000km.
As stated by Transport Minister Rita Saffioti:
"I'm excited to be joining the first flight from Broome to Derby today to see another important regional initiative delivered.
"We have been working on securing additional flights to Derby since 2017, and I am so proud that we have been able to work with the Shire of Derby-West Kimberley and Aviair to make this a reality.
"Our Government is committed to increasing liveability in WA's regions, and ensuring regular and affordable air services is an important element of this goal.
"We are working with airlines to implement our two-zone airfare cap across regional routes in WA."
As stated by Kimberley MLA Divina D'Anna:
"It is important to Kimberley residents to access affordable and quality flights.
"Today's first flight is a major step in providing a quick connection for residents between Derby and Broome, and will mean better access to flights to Perth - making it easier to see family, get to important appointments or take up opportunities afforded to the rest of the State.
"I'm so proud to be a part of the McGowan Government which continues to deliver for regional WA."
