Skywest announced as Albany and Esperance flights provider

Transport Minister Troy Buswell today announced Skywest would continue to operate regular air services between Perth and Albany and Perth and Esperance.

Mr Buswell said proposals were sought from airlines to provide flights to Albany and Esperance in competition, as part of a review of intrastate air services.

"The request for proposal process stimulated competition between the airlines, which will ultimately benefit consumers, but the airlines were not prepared to operate in competition at this time," he said.

"Skywest's proposals were selected because it guaranteed reduced fares for Albany and Esperance residents and offered 18 direct return flights a week to each location.

"Skywest has a good reputation and, while it is disappointing the airlines were not prepared to operate the route in competition, this is still a good outcome for businesses, tourism operators and the Albany and Esperance communities."

The Minister said Skywest would also provide additional services via Busselton and Ravensthorpe.

"Skywest has also agreed to operate additional twice-a-week services to Busselton as a stopover point on its flights to Albany, and Ravensthorpe as a stopover point on the way to Esperance," he said.

"These stopovers will provide options for Eastern States and overseas visitors to WA to see more of our great State."

The arrangements with Skywest are subject to the finalisation of a formal agreement, expected to be completed soon.

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