The McGowan Government and Rex airlines have secured additional services to Albany, Esperance and Carnarvon while also increasing access to discounted community fares.
Air services are doubling to eight per week on the Albany and Esperance air routes, while the Carnarvon air route will increase from three to five weekly return services.
Conditions around the purchase of community airfares will be relaxed, allowing all remaining seats to be sold at community fare prices within 7 days prior to departure, instead of 24-hours. The ability to purchase the community fare more than 30 days prior to departure remains in place.
The one-way community fare is priced at $139 for Albany, $138 for Esperance, $158
for Monkey Mia and $199 for Carnarvon and it is available to everyone for travel each way.
Due to the impacts of COVID-19, the State Government has worked with the Commonwealth to underwrite up to four weekly services on the Albany and Esperance routes and three weekly return services on the Carnarvon and Monkey Mia air routes. A new deed signed between the State Government and Rex has extended the funding for these flights until September 30, 2020.
These additional routes and access to community air fares will encourage demand and help stimulate local regional economies as the State continues to recover from COVID-19.
The McGowan Government is continuing to work with the Commonwealth, airlines, local governments and industry to ensure accessibility and affordability of regional flights.
As stated by Transport Minister Rita Saffioti:
"We have been working with key stakeholders, including the Commonwealth, airlines and local governments, to ensure a minimum number of services to each destination across regional WA.
"Today's announcement of additional Rex flights to Albany, Esperance and Carnarvon, as well as increasing the availability of community airfares, is great news for regional WA.
"We are currently in negotiations with the other airlines about what further support can be given to secure competitive airfare deals, and capacity across Western Australia for residents and tourists."
As stated by Tourism Minister Paul Papalia:
"We know how important air services are for regional communities and these additional flights will play an important part in the recovery of the business and tourism sectors.
"The State has signed an agreement with Rex to extend the funding for some air services until 30 September 2020 on the Albany, Esperance, Carnarvon and Monkey Mia routes, which will help support economic recovery of the regions and the tourism and aviation sector.
"I encourage those thinking about getting away for the school holidays or looking to book a getaway to head to one of these great destinations. These community fares present a great opportunity to Wander out Yonder in our great State."
