Airlines appointed to service fully regulated regional air routes

• Rex and Skippers Aviation to provide fully regulated regional air services following a tender process
• New deeds will ensure continued air services for key routes in regional WA
• New service commitments apply from October this year until July 2028

Rex and Skippers Aviation have been awarded exclusive rights to operate air services on select regional Western Australian routes, that are fully regulated by the State Government, following an open, competitive tender process.

Rex was awarded the rights to operate services between Perth and Albany, Esperance, Carnarvon/Monkey Mia; and Skippers Aviation was awarded the rights to operate the air routes of Perth-Laverton-Leonora and Perth-Wiluna-Meekatharra-Mount Magnet, collectively known as the Northern Goldfields.

Rex and Skippers Aviation are the current service providers on the routes for which they successfully tendered. New agreements between the State Government and both airlines will come into effect in October this year, lasting until July 2028.

As part of its successful bid, Rex has committed to 24 minimum weekly return services on the Albany-Perth route, 22 minimum return services on the Esperance-Perth route and 12 return services on the Carnarvon route (seven connecting to Monkey Mia).

Skippers Aviation will continue to operate three weekly return services in line with current schedules to Laverton, Leonora, Meekatharra, Mount Magnet and Wiluna, with potential for additional services dependent on demand.

Both airlines will also offer regional residents access to capped airfares for personal travel to and from Perth as part of the State Government's successful Regional Airfare Zone Cap scheme.

Comments attributed to Transport Minister Rita Saffioti:

"Both Rex and Skippers Aviation have a long history of working with the State Government to provide air services for regional residents and their tender submissions demonstrated they were best placed to continue operating on their respective routes.

"There's no question that recent services, particularly on the Albany and Esperance routes, have not met community expectations, but we are committed to working with our partner airlines to get services back to the high level they once were.

"The recent disruptions are the result of recruitment and supply chain challenges affecting the entire aviation sector.

"I've recently held discussions with Rex to ensure every effort is being made to improve the current level of service, and I am pleased a delegation of Rex senior management will be coming to WA in the next week to develop plans for improving the outcomes for their customers.

"The ongoing operation of Rex and Skippers on these routes means regional residents can continue to make the most of the State Government's Regional Airfare Zone Cap scheme which is saving people thousands by reducing the costs of flights to and from Perth."