Fortescue Metals Group (Fortescue) has celebrated the first of its charter flights from Busselton to operations in the Pilbara, as part of the Company's new flight service from the South West region.
With over 460 team members residing in the South West, the region is Fortescue's second largest regional FIFO hub after the Pilbara where over 600 team members are based. Under the 12-month trial, the extension to Fortescue's flight network will see weekly flights utilising F100 aircrafts to its Eliwana and Solomon mining hubs.
Currently, Fortescue is the only Pilbara-based mining company with flights between all its mine sites and the major communities of Karratha, Port Hedland, Broome, Kununurra and Fitzroy Crossing.
Fortescue Chief Executive Officer Elizabeth Gaines said, "As part of our ongoing commitment to regional FIFO workforces, Fortescue is extending our flight network to Busselton to support our team members living in the South West region with more flexibility and family-friendly options.
"In line with our commitment to ensuring regional communities benefit from our growth and development, we are confident this service will provide significant economic benefits and offer new job opportunities for people living in Busselton and surrounding towns," Ms Gaines said.
City of Busselton mayor Grant Henley said, "The City welcomes Fortescue to the Busselton Margaret River Airport and the support of the resources sector for local residents. FIFO operations continue to bring essential revenue into the airport during COVID times, supporting both the local and state economy and ensuring jobs for South West people."
Fortescue Eliwana General Manager Katie Charuga-Andrijasevic said, "The safety and wellbeing of the Fortescue family is our highest priority and the introduction of this new service will assist our team members and contractors with managing their fatigue by reducing the need for travel between Perth and the South West region."
