• Figures show increase in support for Australia-first regional capped airfares initiative
• More than 66,200 capped fares flown State-wide since the scheme launched in July last year
• Geraldton residents encouraged to take advantage of the initiative as Qantas flights return to a double daily service

Member for Geraldton Lara Dalton has encouraged Geraldton residents to take advantage of capped airfares now that Qantas flights are returning to a double daily schedule.

Results from the latest quarter of the McGowan Labor Government’s Regional Airfares Zone Cap (RAZC) Scheme show more than 37,8000 capped airfares were flown between October and December 2022, representing a 33 per cent increase from the previous quarter. Uptake on capped airfares for the Geraldton to Perth route increased by close to 25 per cent.

The RAZC 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.

Qantas recently announced the return of double daily flights on weekdays from Perth to Geraldton following advocacy from Ms Dalton and Minister for Transport Rita Saffioti.

For more information on the Regional Airfare Zone Cap Scheme, visit www.farego.wa.gov.au

Comments attributed to Lara Dalton MLA:
“It is fantastic to see an increase in uptake of the capped airfares for Geraldton and that residents are benefiting from this great initiative.
“After advocating for the reinstatement of two flights a day in and out of Geraldton, I expect the figures for this route will continue to grow as the flight schedule begins to offer more choice for residents.
“I know many in the Mid West make the trip to Perth often, whether it be for family visits, work or appointments.
“These capped airfares make these important trips more affordable, and I’d encourage locals to take advantage of these fares now additional flights are back on.”

Comments attributed to Transport Minister Rita Saffioti:
“Our Australia-first Regional Airfares Zone Cap Scheme has now been running for six months and the second quarter figures show the scheme is going from strength to strength.
“Since it launched in July last year, more than 66,200 fares have been flown, with the most recent figures showing a 33 per cent increase on the first quarter results.
“As the scheme becomes further established, we expect the momentum gathered so far to continue and for thousands more regional residents to fly to Perth more affordably and connect with family, friends, and essential services in Perth.”