Regional capped airfare scheme reaches new heights

• More than 100,000 capped airfares now sold to regional Western Australians
• More than 40,000 regional capped airfares sold in third quarter of scheme
• 2023/24 State Budget includes an additional $20.7 million for regional capped airfare scheme
• Scheme saving regional families and residents thousands of dollars
  

The McGowan Government's Regional Capped Airfares Scheme continues to grow in popularity with third quarter results showing more than 40,000 capped airfares were sold across the three-month period.

The third quarter results are the highest since the scheme began in July 2022, and takes the total number of capped airfares sold under the scheme to 108,662.

The Regional Airfares Zone Scheme makes regional airfares more affordable for regional residents by capping the cost of one-way flights to and from Perth at $199 or $299 when booked as a return flight.

The scheme received a significant boost in the 2023-24 State Budget handed down yesterday, with $20.7 million additional funding being allocated to the program.

Karratha continues to be the most popular route under the scheme with more than 26,000 capped airfares sold in the first nine months, followed by Kalgoorlie with 14,637 and Port Hedland with 14,164.

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

Comments attributed to Transport Minister Rita Saffioti:

"With cost-of-living pressures continuing to have an impact, our Government's capped airfares scheme is saving regional families and residents thousands of dollars at a time when they need it most.

"The fact is, for many regional families and residents having to fly to Perth is not a choice, and the significant cost of flying places pressure on household budgets. This scheme is helping alleviate some of that pressure.

"The continued growth of the scheme in the third quarter is a clear indication that regional Western Australians value this program and the significant savings they are making on air travel.

"The great news is that our Government is going to ensure this scheme continues to deliver for regional families, with an additional $20.7 million  allocated to the program in yesterday's State Budget."

Miniter's office - 6552 5500

Data on the Regional Airfares Zone Cap Scheme to date: