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 KB

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. No subsidy was required on the routes as aircraft size would be adjusted to matchs passenger numbers. Skippers will trial a larger, more 'tourist friendly' aircraft for six months to service Kalbarri/Monkey Mia. After this time, depending on passenger numbers, the larger aircraft will continue with a subsidy or a smaller aircraft will be used.
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 The subsidised service now includes Derby and will be operated with a larger, turboprop, pressurised aircraft.
Perth/Geraldton Deregulated This route is now open to full competition.


More information


Map showing the new air services KB
Passengers travelling to Carnarvon, Kalbarri and Monkey Mia from 28/02/11 KB