Direct Onslow flights deal benefits Pilbara

• Direct regular flights between Perth and Onslow start this month

• Skippers Aviation will run three direct return passenger flights a week

Transport Minister Dean Nalder has welcomed a boost to remote Western Australian air services with the start of direct regular public transport (RPT) flights between Perth and Onslow.

The community of Onslow, 1,400km north of Perth, will benefit from three direct return passenger flights a week from Monday, November 17, 2014.

"Skippers Aviation is to be commended for its initiative to trial a Perth-Onslow-Perth return service on a commercial basis," Mr Nalder said.

"The people of Onslow will be able to fly directly from their own local airport, which has recently undergone a multi-million-dollar expansion to accommodate the growing population and local economy."

Skippers will use 30, 36 and 50-seat aircraft to provide services between Onslow and Perth on Monday and Wednesday mornings, as well as Friday afternoons - with discount fares available for local residents.

"The upgraded airport can accommodate larger aircraft as well as helicopter, charter and corporate air travel, which provides opportunities for more tourism and resources activity, as well as a huge leap in convenience for local residents," the Minister said.

"In remote parts of WA such as Onslow, air transport is not so much a luxury as a necessity."

Shire of Ashburton president Kerry White thanked Skippers on behalf of local residents for demonstrating corporate leadership that would yield wide-ranging community benefits.

Cr White said there would be economic as well as social benefits from the RPT flights, a culmination of the shire's legacy plans for aviation in the town. 

       Fact File

• The flights will depart from the Onslow Airport which has recently undergone a multi-million-dollar expansion 

Minister's office - 6552 6400