Access
The Department for Planning and Infrastructure's aim is to develop and maintain safe, efficient, effective and reliable networks of international, domestic and regional air services that meet the business, tourism, social and economic needs of passengers and the community.
Air services regulation
Following the collapse of Ansett in September 2001, the Government of Western Australia moved to review all intrastate air services to ensure that regional centres and communities in Western Australia would continue to have sustainable and viable air services. From this original air services review in 2002, the Aviation Ministerial Council instructed the Strategic Aviation Committee to conduct a performance review of the non-jet intrastate air service. Tourism Futures International and the Centre for Asia Pacific Aviation undertook this review in April 2004.
The 2004 review found that air services and the general operating conditions had improved since 2001, but the market was not strong enough to support open competition, so a regulated environment should prevail. The Aviation Ministerial Council accepted the reviews recommendations.
Following a competitive tender process, two separate licenses were awarded to regulated networks to commence on 1 January 2006. Skippers Aviation operates the Northern Goldfields Network, which includes Leonora, Laverton, Leinster, Wiluna, Meekatharra and Mt Magnet. Skywest Airlines operates the Coastal Network, which includes Esperance, Albany, Geraldton, Kalbarri, Monkey Mia, Carnarvon and Learmonth/Exmouth.
To satisfy National Competition Council requirements, a review of these networks and all intrastate charter and regular public transport air services is being undertaken prior to the license expirations on 31 December 2008. More information about the current review can be found on the Aviation Review 2008 page.
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Air services subsidies policy
Western Australia is by far the largest State in Australia. Its capital city is in the south west of the State and the major regional centres are separated by vast distances. The Kimberley, Pilbara and Gascoyne regions, in the north of the State, are affected by tropical weather patterns that cause periodic flooding and isolation of some communities for many weeks each year.
The geographical isolation and extreme environmental conditions faced by many Western Australian communities have led to a heavy reliance on air transport. Regional towns are often dependent on access to large regional centres and Perth for the provision of essential services such as health and education.
On a commercial basis, most airlines do not consider that a regular air service would be viable for many centres at present. However local communities, regional development commissions and the Government are making considerable effort in several regions to boost tourism or economic activity.
Therefore, it is in the interests of the State for the Government to assist the community to build a viable air service over a reasonably short period of time, with the long-term view that it will become viable on a commercial basis to an airline operator.
Currently, the Government subsidises a regular air service between Broome, Fitzroy Crossing and Halls Creek in the Kimberley. The service is operated by Golden Eagle Airlines as four return trips each week. More information can be found on Golden Eagle Airline's website.
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Regional air services
The following air services, listed in alphabetical order, are provided within Western Australia:
| Air North |
Services Perth, Broome and Kununurra |
|
Golden Eagle Airlines |
Services Broome, Derby, Fitzroy Crossing and Halls Creek |
| National Jet Systems |
Services Perth, Christmas Island, Cocos Islands and Ravensthorpe |
| Ozjet |
Services Perth and Derby |
| Qantaslink |
Services Perth, Broome, Kalgoorlie, Karratha, Kununurra, Newman, Paraburdoo and Port Hedland |
|
Skippers Aviation |
Services Perth, Laverton, Leinster, Leonora, Meekatharra, Mt Magnet and Wiluna |
|
Skywest |
Services Perth, Albany, Broome, Carnarvon, Esperance, Exmouth, Geraldton, Kalbarri, Kalgoorlie, Kununurra, Monkey Mia and Port Hedland |
| Virgin Blue |
Services Perth and Broome |
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International bilateral air service agreements
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Australia has many international air service agreements with other countries regarding movements on international routes. These are called "international bilateral air service agreements".
The Department for Planning and Infrastructure, in conjunction with the Western Australian Tourism Commission, other State Government agencies and airport owners, closely liaises with the Commonwealth Government in relation to international flights to and from Western Australian airports, particularly Perth International Airport.
The State Government's objective in dealing with the Commonwealth is to secure increased capacity, improved frequency and diversification of international flights to increase tourism and business development between Western Australia and other countries.
International bilateral air service agreements are under continuous review. The State's role is to maintain the existing level of services and to provide opportunities that will benefit Western Australia. |
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