QantasLink and Skywest to compete for Exmouth air traffic

Transport Minister Troy Buswell today announced the introduction of competition on the Perth to Exmouth air route, following a review of intrastate air services.

Mr Buswell said QantasLink and Skywest had agreed to operate the route in competition with each other.

"Businesses, tourism operators and the Exmouth community have been actively seeking competition on this route for some time and this is a good outcome for them," he said.

"The Coral Coast area around Exmouth has some of the State's best and most famous tourism attractions including Ningaloo Reef, Cape Range National Park, North West Cape and Coral Bay.

"The provision of competitive services to Exmouth will provide better access to these important destinations and give a significant boost to tourism in the region."

The Minister said the number of people travelling on the Perth to Exmouth route had the potential to increase.

"About 70,000 passengers travel on this route each year and this has potential for growth with the introduction of competition and increased activity in the resources sector in the region," he said.

"Exmouth will also benefit from the international exposure offered through the Qantas network and through Skywest's arrangements with Virgin Airlines."

Subject to formal agreement, Mr Buswell said he expected the competitive arrangements to be effective from February 28, 2011.

Today's announcement is the culmination of a review of intrastate air services that involved comprehensive stakeholder consultation, airport-by-airport analysis and financial assessments.

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