29/11/01
Senior Qantas officials have confirmed their commitment to increasing air services to the North-West, following a fact-finding visit of the region initiated by the Minister for the Kimberley, Pilbara and Gascoyne, Tom Stephens.
Mr Stephens said that effective February 2002, Qantas would provide daily B737 jet services to Broome, Karratha and Kalgoorlie, with additional flights to meet weekend leisure demands in Broome.
This would complement existing BAE146 flights currently servicing the towns.
"The positive outcome from the visit represents a win for local industries in securing additional air services," Mr Stephens said.
"With the increased services of B737's, air freight capacity around Western Australia will also increase dramatically and this has to be good news for the community and industry.
"Furthermore, the commitment by Qantas to increase air services will facilitate the discounting of fares to allow more people to get back into the air again at an affordable price.
"Qantas will continue to work with Air North to ensure that East Kimberley residents had a viable air service link between Perth, Broome and Darwin.
"With the introduction of the B737's, Qantas has advised me that this will allow for improved and more flexible schedules into Paraburdoo, Newman and Port Hedland.
"Effective partnerships between air service providers, all tiers of government and business leaders have resulted in air services to the North being bolstered.
"Qantas have established a growing and close relationship with North-West communities and have now a greater understanding of their unique needs.
"The future of the tourism industry will be assured with the stable provision of additional air services by Qantas.
"The increased air services will generate confidence and optimism amongst the community and tourism businesses."
It is anticipated that the new flight schedules will be available to the public later this week.
Mr Stephens commended Qantas on their commitment to continue to explore all options with regional communities to ensure that regional Western Australians had the support of their national airline carrier.
Media contact: Julie Cole 9213 6500
