they operate the -300 model but is that just on charter?
State Government announces preferred airlines for WA regional air services
Portfolio: Transport
Transport Minister Troy Buswell today announced the preferred airlines to provide regulated air services to Western Australian regional centres.
The announcement follows a review of intrastate air services and two Request for Proposal (RFP) processes undertaken for airlines to provide services to 14 regional communities.
The following airlines have been nominated to provide air services on the regulated networks and routes below:
o Perth/Albany, Perth/Esperance
Skywest Airlines
o Perth/Mt Magnet/Meekatharra
Skippers Aviation
o Perth/Laverton/Leonora
Skippers Aviation
o Perth/Wiluna/Leinster
Skippers Aviation
o Perth/Learmonth
QantasLink and Skywest Airlines
o Perth/Carnarvon/Monkey Mia/Kalbarri
Skippers Aviation
o Broome/Derby/Fitzroy Crossing/Halls Creek
Golden Eagle Airlines
“Skywest will offer additional direct flights on the Perth to Albany and Perth to Esperance network, as well as extra services connecting Busselton with Perth and Albany; and Ravensthorpe with Perth and Esperance,” Mr Buswell said.
“Albany and Esperance residents will also continue to get a special fare that provides a significant discount on the normal full economy fare.
“People travelling on the Perth to Learmonth route will now have a choice of flying either QantasLink or Skywest - both of which will provide jet services.”
The Minister said Golden Eagle Airlines would continue to operate the subsidised Kimberley service linking Fitzroy Crossing and Halls Creek with Broome.
“Under the new arrangements a link to Derby will be added to the Kimberley network, which will provide valuable connections for local communities and give access to the regional hospital, local government and cultural centres,” he said.
“Kimberley passengers will benefit from Golden Eagle’s planned introduction of an aircraft that is pressurised, powered by turboprop engines, and bigger, faster and more comfortable than the current aircraft.
“Skippers Aviation will continue to operate the Perth to Goldfields network, serving Mount Magnet, Meekatharra, Laverton, Leonora, Wiluna, and Leinster, similar to the previous service.
“The biggest change to the State's regional air services is opening the Perth to Geraldton route to competition.
“Skippers Aviation will provide services to Carnarvon, Monkey Mia and Kalbarri, ensuring that regular public transport air services continue on these routes.”
Subject to successful negotiations, airlines selected to provide services on the protected routes will have their rights and obligations codified in a deed, with the new arrangements to be introduced from February 28, 2011.
The new system will operate for an initial term of five years with a possible extension of up to another five years, subject to a review undertaken midway through the first term.