New air services for Kalbarri, Shark Bay and Geraldton

30/10/03
Air services between Perth, Kalbarri, Shark Bay and Geraldton will be increased under a new arrangement announced by Planning and Infrastructure Alannah MacTiernan today.
"The new timetable will see the current twice weekly Perth-Kalbarri return service replaced with a three day a week service, and the Perth-Shark Bay return service, which operates four times each week replaced with a five day a week service,"
Ms MacTiernan said.
The Minister said the rights to provide an air service between Perth, Kalbarri and Shark Bay, with limited services to Geraldton, had been awarded to Perth-based operator Skippers Aviation for a period of two years.
The awarding of the rights was the end result of an exhaustive selection process managed by the Department for Planning and Infrastructure and an initiative of the State Government's Air Services Policy, which aimed to ensure sustainable air services for regional communities.
"Expressions of interest for the licence rights to operate the service were called in June this year, with the intention of encouraging airlines to put forward creative approaches that would assist in the growth of two of Western Australia's outstanding tourism destinations," Ms MacTiernan said.
"Operators were asked to include in their proposals details such as aircraft type, frequency of service and marketing plans to promote and develop the service."
Stakeholder representatives from Geraldton, Kalbarri and Shark Bay joined the Department for Planning and Infrastructure and the WA Tourism Commission in assessing the submissions.
"This process was undertaken in full consultation with the communities that will use the proposed service to help ensure that it meets their needs," Ms MacTiernan said.
The Minister said the State Government would also allow Skippers some access to Geraldton, with five dedicated return services from Perth each week, to ensure the viability of the service.
"Last year's Intrastate Air Services Review determined that air services to Geraldton could sustain some competition if managed carefully," she said.
Ms MacTiernan said the State Government would work with current service providers, Skywest and Great Western Airlines, and Skippers to ensure a smooth transition of services.
The new services are expected to commence in January 2004.
Minister's office: 9213 6400