The government of Western Australia has agreed to suppoer Aviair (GD, Kununurra) and Nexus Airlines (GD, Kununurra), both owned by HM Consolidated, to offset higher fuel costs. The measure is intended to keep fares under the regional airfare zone cap (RAZC) scheme unchanged, with the state covering additional fuel costs on selected regional routes.
The supported Aviair routes connect Broome to Derby, WA, Fitzroy Crossing, and Halls Creek, as well as Kununurra to Halls Creek, Balgo Hill, and Kalumburu. The measure also applies to Nexus Airlines' flights between Geraldton, WA, Karratha, Port Hedland, and Broome.
"With fuel costs rising for our regional airlines, we're covering the costs so that they are not passed onto our regional residents, and they can continue to access affordable capped regional airfares," Western Australia deputy premier and transport minister Rita Saffioti said.
Aviair operates six DHC-8-Q400s, as well as general aviation aircraft, and offers scheduled flights under the Nexus Airlines brand. Per ch-aviation data, three scheduled operators are headquartered in Western Australia, including Skippers Aviation and Virgin Australia Regional.
The state will also ease road freight restrictions for heavy road trains to improve supply chain efficiency.
