Qantas announced today that from November, it will offer a discount of up to 30 per cent on return fares for residents travelling between their local airport and Perth.
Qantas estimates savings of up to $279 on return trips from the regional airports to Perth.
The scheme will apply for passengers who reside in Broome, Kalgoorlie, Karratha, Paraburdoo, Port Hedland and Newman, making air travel significantly more affordable for people in these towns.
The State Government had called for action to address the high cost of airfares in regional WA and earlier this year launched a Parliamentary inquiry into the issue.
The City of Kalgoorlie-Boulder has also reduced its airport passenger charges, to offer further discounts for people travelling out of its airport.
The Economics and Industry Standing Committee currently undertaking the inquiry will present their report to State Parliament in late November 2017.
Premier Mark McGowan said “I commend Qantas for being first airline to tackle the issue of high airfares in regional WA. I’m pleased that Qantas has listened to people in regional WA, where the exorbitant cost of airfares has put travel out of reach for many.
“Qantas has followed the lead of the State Government, which has been highly proactive in trying to make air travel more affordable for people in regional WA.
“This is a positive first step and the McGowan Labor Government strongly encourages other airlines to follow suit.
“The City of Kalgoorlie-Boulder has offered further discounts to passengers travelling out of its airport and there is now an opportunity for other regional councils to come to the table and put in place similar arrangements.”
Tourism Minister Paul Papalia said “The high cost of airfares in regional WA has plagued regional tourism operators and small businesses for many years.
“It has created a roadblock to tourism opportunities and prevented people from Perth, interstate and overseas from accessing all our State has to offer.
“Today’s announcement is a positive step forward and I hope it will lead to downward pressure on prices for people visiting Western Australia and travelling within the State.”