Air service extension provides certainty to Kimberley community

• Aviair granted 12-month extension to operate flights between Broome and Derby
• Department of Transport (DoT) to commence tender process during extension period
• Service subsidised by the State Government since August 2021

 The State Government has granted Aviair a 12-month extension to operate subsidised regular public transport (RPT) services between Broome and Derby, while a tender process is conducted.

Aviair began operating on the route under a deed of agreement with the State Government in August 2021, offering three weekly return services.

An additional fourth same-day return service was introduced in February 2022, in response to stakeholder feedback and to build passenger demand on the route.

The State Government temporarily increased services earlier this year to up to 35 per week, to meet demand caused by the Kimberley floods which cut off road access between the two towns.

The additional services transported more than 3,400 passengers in just over one month, and provided a critical transport link for the community, as well as emergency services and recovery support.

The popularity of the service in the aftermath of the flood will mean Aviair will maintain four weekly return services during its 12-month extension period until June 2024.

An open, competitive tender process to award exclusive rights to operate RPT air services on the route for two years until June 2026 will begin later this year.

Comments attributed to Transport Minister Rita Saffioti:

"The State Government subsided air service between Broome and Derby delivers on an election commitment to make flights accessible and affordable for people in regional WA.

"By extending our agreement with Aviair, to service the Broome-Derby route for another 12 months, we're providing important stability and connectivity to this region as it continues to rebuild from the impact of Cyclone Ellie.

"It will also allow us to set up an open, competitive tender process, that supports the air travel needs of this region in the years to come."

Comments attributed to Kimberley MLA Divina D'Anna:

"The State Government subsidised Aviair flights between Broome and Derby provides an important connection for communities in the Kimberley, and we saw just how critical it was during the record flooding earlier this year.

"It's fantastic that our Government will be providing continuity and stability to this important service through a 12-month extension, while we undertake an open and competitive tender process later this year."