Capped airfares have been embraced by regional Western Australia, with more than 4,400 fares sold since the introduction of the scheme on July 1.
Demand on key regional air routes has been strong, with residents taking the opportunity to visit Perth to catch up with family and friends, attend appointments, or enjoy a break using the capped airfares.
Some of the strongest demand came from Karratha - which in the past experienced high airfares of more than $1,000 - with the new airfare cap providing more price certainty for locals.
The capped airfares are split into two zones:
- Zone 1 fare is $199 for a one-way flight both ways when booked as a return flight, for residents who are departing an airport within 1,000km driving distance from Perth.
- Zone 2 fare is $299 for a one-way flight both ways when booked as a return flight for residents departing from an airport further than 1,000km driving distance from Perth.
The McGowan Government has made addressing the cost of regional airfares a priority, and has consulted extensively with regional communities and airlines to support regional aviation in WA.
The new $19.8 million scheme - the first of its kind in Australia - is a partnership between the State Government and five airlines; Airnorth, Qantas, Rex Airlines, Skippers Aviation and Virgin Australia Airlines, with the capped airfares scheme funded for the next three years.
Residents can access the capped fares through their respective airlines. For more information, and to check eligibility visit https://www.transport.wa.gov.au/aviation/regional-airfare-zone-cap.asp
As stated by Premier Mark McGowan:
"From Kununurra to Esperance, regional Western Australians are embracing our Government's capped airfare scheme.
"Airfares have been one of the biggest cost imposts on regional residents, and our program provides direct relief for regional people travelling to Perth, whether for medical reasons, to see family, or to enjoy a holiday.
"This program is a game-changer for regional Western Australia, making our regional communities even more attractive places to live and work."
As stated by Transport Minister Rita Saffioti:
"Addressing the cost of regional airfares has been a priority for our Government, and the response we have seen in the first month shows how important the capped airfares scheme is to regional communities.
"The $19.8 million State-funded capped airfare scheme is an Australian first, with residents able to access these capped airfares all year round, without having any minimum or maximum booking period requirements.
"Not only are the capped airfares making travel to Perth more accessible - they're helping families with the current cost of living pressures right now - potentially saving regional families thousands of dollars when they travel to and from Perth.
"The capped airfares are making flights to Perth more accessible and affordable for regional WA, and giving regional residents more choice on how they can connect with family, friends and to essential services."
