From the Skywest website:
MEDIA RELEASE
Skywest Suspends Kalgoorlie to Melbourne Services
Skywest Airlines announced today that effective 3rd November 2008 it would suspend its Kalgoorlie to Melbourne Service.
The service that commenced in November 2007 and operated three times a week was introduced to link the City of Kalgoorlie- Boulder to the East Coast providing services to both the mining and resources sector and the leisure market.
Skywest CEO Paul Daff said today that the decision had been a difficult one as Skywest had worked closely with the City of Kalgoorlie – Boulder to establish the service and to maintain it. The service had recently not fully covered its operating costs particularly as a result of the sharp and sustainable increase in the price of fuel.
“We are suspending the service at this time in light of the significant increase in fuel and other operating costs, and the deteriorating economic conditions in Australia. Whist it is regrettable the service cannot be sustained in the short term, Skywest must make these necessary changes to its network.” Mr. Daff said.
We would like to thank the City of Kalgoorlie – Boulder for their support and contribution and those customers who have used the service in the past year. Skywest will continue to monitor the situation should the economic conditions change substantially.
All passengers booked on flights to/from Melbourne beyond 3rd November 2008, will be offered full refunds.
For the remaining period of the service, Skywest will be offering special fares of $298 one way from Kalgoorlie to Melbourne.
Customers with queries regarding their bookings should call the Skywest call centre on 1300 66 00 88.
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