Capped airfares prove popular in first year of landmark scheme

• 151,181 capped airfares flown in first 12 months of Regional Airfare Zone Cap (RAZC) scheme
• 42,519 airfares flown in the fourth quarter of the scheme
• Initiative is making flying significantly cheaper for regional residents
• Scheme will be in place until June 2025

The popularity of the State Government's successful Regional Airfare Zone Cap (RAZC) scheme continues to surge with more than 150,000 airfares flown in the first year of the scheme.

The latest quarter results show more than 42,500 capped airfares were used by regional residents between April and June 2023. This is a five per cent increase on the third quarter results and brings the total amount of fares used during the first year of the scheme to 151,181.

Karratha-Perth remained the most popular route during the June 2023 quarter, with the highest uptake of 11,253 capped airfares. Kalgoorlie had the quarter's second-highest results of 5,967 fares flown, followed by Port Hedland with 5,926 and Broome with 4,371.

Geraldton, Broome, and Exmouth experienced significant growth in demand in the June 2023 quarter, with quarterly increases of 30 per cent, 27 per cent and 23 per cent respectively.

The RAZC scheme launched in July 2022 and is an Australian-first initiative, delivered in partnership with six participating airlines to provide regional residents with access to capped airfares to Perth of either $199 or $299 one-way, when booked as a return fare for personal travel.

The State Government has committed to running the scheme over three years to June 2025.

For more information on the RAZC scheme, visit www.farego.wa.gov.au.

Comments attributed to Transport Minister Rita Saffioti:

"It's abundantly clear that in a time when cost of living continues to impact people's lives, this scheme is helping to alleviate what was once a significant cost for regional residents.

"To see more than 150,000 zone cap airfares booked in the first 12 months and consistent growth over the year shows the impact this scheme is having on people's lives.

"This scheme is the first of its kind in the country and is one of the key reasons we've seen strong growth in regional aviation activity over the past 12 months.

"By introducing year-round accessible and affordable capped airfares, our government has put air travel to Perth for personal reasons such specialist appointments and family reunions, within the reach of hundreds of thousands of regional Western Australians and delivered enormous benefits to regional communities.

"On average, people are saving around $100 for every capped airfare booked – that's more money in their pockets at a time when we know cost living pressures are having an impact.

"We're committed to supporting regional aviation and schemes like this are incredibly important because they drive the demand needed to encourage airlines to improve capacity and performance."