Air services connecting Kimberley communities have been secured for an additional two-year period.
Aviair has been appointed to operate regular public transport (RPT) air services between Derby and Broome until June 2026. The appointment was the result of a competitive tender process.
With the support of $1.5 million in WA government funding over two years, Aviair will be able to maintain four weekly return services on the route.
The airfares for these services have been set at $139 for one-way travel. Aviair has been providing this service with financial assistance from the state since August 2021. Additionally, they offer connecting flights from Broome to Perth, providing travel options for Derby travellers.
The WA government also extends its support to other air services, including the Kununurra-Halls Creek-Balgo and Broome-Fitzroy Crossing-Halls Creek routes.
In early 2023, the state temporarily increased flights on the Derby-Broome route to up to 35 per week due to flooding caused by ex-Tropical Cyclone Ellie, which had cut off road access between the two towns.
The flights played a crucial role in providing essential access for the community, emergency services, and recovery support. These initiatives build upon the existing Government support for regional Western Australians, such as the Regional Airfare Zone Cap (RAZC) scheme.
The scheme ensures regional residents can access airfares to Perth at a capped price of $199 or $299 one-way for return flights throughout the year.
As part of the 2024-25 State Budget, the Kimberley Resilience Program funding package was announced, which includes $67.5 million in funding. This funding package also allocates $8 million for the upgrade of airstrips in remote Aboriginal communities in the Kimberley.
Furthermore, an additional $2.5 million has been committed to upgrading the East Kimberley Regional Airport in Kununurra, as part of a broader $21.3 million investment in regional airports and airstrips.
Kimberley MP Divina D'Anna said reliable air services are vital for Aboriginal communities.
"The continued support of this air route builds on the Cook Government's significant investment in aviation services and infrastructure for the Kimberley region, including Aboriginal communities," she said.
"Access to reliable air services is so vital in this region because it ensures people can access critical services while also keeping communities connected."
WA Transport Minister Rita Saffioti said securing Aviair for the next two years on the Derby-Broome route means people living in these communities can continue accessing essential services and business opportunities.
"Reliable air services are absolutely critical to communities in the Kimberley region, which is why our government established these routes and continues to support them," she said.
"Of course, we know this part of the state is also prone to extreme weather events, and we've seen over the past couple of years how crucial aviation is in reducing isolation and helping with recovery efforts,"
"That's why as part of our $67.5 million Kimberley Resilience Program, we're also investing $8 million to renew airstrips at remote Aboriginal communities, to ensure they're safe, operational and continue keeping communities connected."
