Media Release
18 April 2006
Skippers to Withdraw its Geraldton Air Service
Skippers Aviation has announced it will cease its scheduled services between Perth and Geraldton on 30 April 2006.
Skippers' introduction to the monopoly environment in January 2004 brought increased frequencies, substantially lower airfares and the provision of many benefits to the Geraldton and broader Midwest community. Despite strong community support and the loyalty of its suppliers and regular clients, Skippers have not been able to generate sufficient regular patronage to ensure a sustainable service within the framework created for a two-airline environment.
Skippers' CEO, Rob Swann, expressed his disappointment at having arrived at this position after such a large investment in both time and financial resources. “We've certainly given it everything, but can not see how a sustainable outcome can be achieved under the current circumstances.”
Mr Swann continued, “We are proud that we've been able to keep airfares low and provide a safe, reliable service to the Midwest community for the past two and a half years. I would like to take this opportunity to publicly thank our suppliers and loyal clients for their service and commitment, in particular, our Geraldton agents Bob and Wendy Mann, who have tirelessly supported us since our arrival.”
During their service, Skippers have sponsored many local organisations, including the Midwest Chamber of Commerce and Industry, the Geraldton Museum, Batavia Coast / Spirit FM, Geraldton Newspapers, as well as a host of local arts programmes, sports clubs and emerging sports stars.
“The challenge for the community and the remaining airline will be to retain the current schedule frequencies and airfare levels without the competitive pressures provided by a second airline. Given the reporting regime currently in place with the Department for Planning and Infrastructure, these outcomes should be able to be achieved through the remaining provider,” Mr Swann said.
Skippers will maintain its current services until its last flight, scheduled to depart Geraldton for Perth at 6:25pm on Sunday, 30 April 2006.
All tickets purchased from Skippers for travel on the Geraldton service after 30 April 2006 will be fully refunded to the purchaser. Customers are asked to please call Skippers Reservations toll free on 1300 729 924 or email
[email protected] to obtain their refund.
Skippers advise that the withdrawal of services to Geraldton will have no impact on its air services to other destinations on the Northern Goldfields network.