Intrastate air services
The new intrastate aviation framework retains all previously deregulated routes, deregulated Geraldton and determined providers of regulated air services through a Request for Proposal process.
Index
About intrastate air services
Under the new intrastate aviation framework, previously deregulated air services are retained and a Request for Proposal process was used to determine future providers of regulated intrastate air services and identify if more routes could be opened to competition.The following 'baseline framework' was used to facilitate the Request for Proposal process:
- Geraldton would be deregulated;
- Services that are currently supplied through the Coastal Network, Northern Goldfields Network and the Kimberley subsidised air service would be offered through an arrangement of seven route/network configurations;
- There would be limited competition offered on four protected routes between Perth and Albany, Esperance, Exmouth, Learmonth and Leinster; and
- Deeds would be for five years with a mid term review and a possible extension of up to a further five years.
Airlines were encouraged to provide alternative proposals to the 'baseline framework' where they could demonstrate improved services to communities and better outcomes for Government and industry.
The Perth-Derby route was not included in the Request for Proposal as the airline that holds the major resource company contracts in the Derby region has protection on the route.
Charter services on all Regular Public Transport (RPT) air routes would continue to be limited to one service per client per calendar week (Monday to Sunday). Additional charter services may be approved by the Minister if it is demonstrated that they will:
- not undermine the RPT service; and
- provide a benefit to the community.
Map of airports 2010-11
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Outcome of request for proposal process
| Route | Airline | Comment |
| Perth/Albany, Perth/Esperance | Skywest Airlines | Proposals from airlines were carefully considered, but none was prepared to provide services in competition on these routes. Skywest was recommended as it offered most services, special fares for residents and additional services via Busselton to Albany and via Ravensthorpe to Esperance. |
| Perth/Leonora/Laverton Perth/Wiluna/Leinster Perth/Meekatharra/Mt Magnet | Skippers Aviation | No change from existing services. No proposals were received from charter operators on the Perth-Leinster route and therefore limited competition was not possible at this time. |
| Perth/Kalbarri/Monkey Mia/Carnarvon | Skippers Aviation | Skippers offered most services to Carnarvon with some flights via Geraldton to meet local needs using aircraft with up to 50 seats. Following a six month trial of a minimum 30 seat aircraft servicing Monkey Mia and Kalbarri, the schedule was amended to allow the further use of the larger “tourist friendly” aircraft without subsidy. |
| Perth/Exmouth (Learmonth) | QantasLink Skywest Airlines | The two airlines will operate in competition with minimal Government interference. |
| Broome/Derby/Fitzroy Crossing/Halls Creek | Golden Eagle Airlines | While Golden Eagle Airlines was originally selected to operate the Kimberley Subsidised Air Service (now including Derby) with a larger, turboprop, pressurised aircraft, problems with sourcing the aircraft prevented the upgraded service from commencing. Skippers Aviation has since commenced operations on the route for a period of one year as of 23 January 2012. |
| Perth/Geraldton | Deregulated | This route is now open to full competition. |
More information
Map showing the new air services
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Passengers travelling to Carnarvon, Kalbarri and Monkey Mia from 28/02/11
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