The biggest regional flights deal in Western Australian history has been launched, with 50,000 affordable airfares between Perth and Broome, Kununurra and Exmouth on sale now.
The partnerships between the State Government, Virgin Australia and Qantas will deliver a vital economic boost to the northern WA tourism regions who were hardest hit by COVID-19.
The 2020-21 State Budget includes the McGowan Government's $21.4 million Regional Aviation Recovery Program, which funds the affordable airfares to deliver flights to Broome from $199, Kununurra from $249, and Exmouth from $149.
The same discounts apply for travel from Broome, Kununurra or Exmouth to Perth, providing even better value for people travelling either way between the city and the northern destinations - benefiting both tourists and locals travelling for family visits or work.
The partnership with Virgin Australia will allow travellers to fly between Perth and Broome from $199 one-way between November 2, 2020 and October 30, 2021.
Virgin Australia's Kununurra deal will offer flights from $249 one-way between March 29, 2021 and September 30, 2021, when purchased 21 days in advance.
Virgin Australia will also operate five flights per week to Kununurra between April and September 2021 on Boeing-737 aircraft, increasing capacity on the route by over 65 per cent.
The Qantas partnership includes special one-way fares between Perth and Exmouth from November 2020 for 12 months, priced at $149 one-way during low season (November 4-March 27) when booked 30 days in advance, and $169 during high season (March 28-October 30) when booked 45 days in advance.
Qantas operates daily services year-round between Perth and Exmouth, with additional flights during peak periods, using Airbus A320 and Fokker 100 jets.
The Virgin and Qantas special fares can be booked online or through travel agents, with tickets on sale now.
These deals follow the incredible success of recent airfare partnerships secured by the McGowan Government, to destinations such as Esperance, Monkey Mia, Albany and Carnarvon.
The latest partnership with Virgin Australia in July saw discounted flights between Perth and Broome and Perth and Kununurra sell out within a week.
The McGowan Government is continuing to negotiate with airlines to investigate how the Regional Aviation Recovery Fund can be used to secure more affordable flights to additional destinations around the State.
As stated by Premier Mark McGowan:
"This is the single biggest regional aviation partnership Western Australia has ever seen - implemented at a time when northern WA needs it most.
"The tourism industry in the State's north has felt the impacts of COVID-19 the most, with its remoteness making it more difficult to attract intrastate tourists.
"We are very pleased to again be working with Virgin Australia and Qantas to help Western Australians discover their own backyard at a more affordable price.
"Tourism operators in the north offer some of the most unique and sought-after experiences and adventures available anywhere on the planet. This massive deal will help more Western Australians enjoy what we have to offer and help keep our State safe and strong.
"Our significant investment in regional aviation is part of our WA Recovery Plan, to help support and enhance WA's tourism industry and create jobs right around the State."
As stated by Tourism Minister Paul Papalia:
"Western Australia has never seen a regional flights offer on this scale - with an incredible 50,000 affordable tickets available for trips to these amazing destinations right into late 2021.
"2020 has been the most difficult year the tourism sector in the State's north has faced, with dedicated local operators being put under serious pressure as a result of COVID-19.
"We know there is nothing more effective for the northern tourism industry than affordable flights - and this huge deal will deliver the local travellers operators need.
"There is no better or more affordable time for Western Australians to discover the world-class Kimberley and Coral Coast as tourists in their home State.
"There are a range of once-in-a-lifetime and bucket list experiences on offer from the local industry in this part of the State, and we encourage everyone travelling north to get involved and support these local businesses and communities."
As stated by Transport Minister Rita Saffioti:
"Access to air services is not only critical for WA's economy, it is essential for the health and wellbeing of Western Australians.
"These discounted airfares will provide opportunities for those living in these regional towns to access affordable airfares to get to and from Perth, as well as their family and friends visiting them.
"We are doing everything we can to provide better links between regional communities and Perth - with millions of dollars being spent to drive prices down and make movement around our vast State more affordable.
"We are continuing to have productive discussions with airlines to secure further affordable flights to additional destinations, supporting regional communities and local tourism businesses."
