- Nexus Airlines commences services on the Inter-Regional Flight Network (IRFN)
- Expanded and improved IRFN supported by State Government investment of $4 million
- Inaugural route to include the first direct flight service between Karratha and Geraldton
- Zone Cap fares available on Nexus Airlines Geraldton to Perth return service
Western Australia's newest airline will take to the skies today for its first commercial flight on the expanded Inter-Regional Flight Network (IRFN) after the State Government invested more than $4 million to expand and improve the network's services.
Nexus Airlines will depart from Geraldton this morning on the newly expanded IRFN route, which operates between Geraldton-Karratha-Port Hedland-Broome and return. The route serves the needs of regional residents by allowing them to fly direct between regional centres, instead of having to travel through Perth.
State Government investment of $4.05 million over four years is supporting the new link between Geraldton and Karratha and has allowed the airline to invest in higher-capacity 76-seater aircraft to reduce airfares and increase passenger comfort.
Nexus Airlines has exclusive rights to operate the IRFN until June 2027 under a four-year deed of agreement with the State Government. The agreement outlines the requirements to operate on the route, including providing appropriate service levels and fares.
The State Government's expansion of the IRFN and the improved services offered by Nexus Airlines are expected to create significant new business and tourism opportunities for the Mid West, Pilbara and Kimberley regions.
Nexus Airlines' Geraldton-Perth flights begin on 17 July, with Geraldton residents able to access capped airfares on the route through the State Government's Regional Airfare Zone Cap scheme.
Comments attributed to Transport Minister Rita Saffioti:
"Today's first flight on the expanded Inter-Regional Flight Network by Nexus Airlines marks a historic moment for aviation services in WA.
"Thanks to the support from our Government, this will be the first time the IRFN operates between Geraldton and Karratha – a brand new link in the network.
"We have invested more than $4 million over four years to include this link and enable Nexus Airlines to use bigger aircraft on the entire network to deliver greater comfort and cheaper fares for regional residents.
"Our Government is committed to working productively with airlines to improve aviation access and affordability for regional Western Australians as demonstrated through the successful Regional Airfare Zone Cap scheme.
"The commencement of Nexus services is another example of how this approach is helping to grow our state's regional aviation services for the benefit of regional people."
Comments attributable to Geraldton MLA Lara Dalton:
"I am thrilled to see the first flight taking off on the expanded Inter-Regional Flight Network, and for the first time, a direct connection between Geraldton and Karratha.
"This is a huge win for people in Geraldton and the Mid West, and highlights the impact of our Government's ongoing commitment to improve access to air travel in regional WA.
"The expanded services will not only improve the connectivity between the Mid West and the Pilbara region, but it will also provide a new service between Geraldton and Perth."
Comments attributable to Pilbara MLA Kevin Michel:
"Today marks a momentous occasion for regional aviation in this State, with regional residents, particularly those in the Pilbara, being offered more choice and better affordability than ever before.
"The direct route between Karratha and Geraldton will bring significant benefits to both Pilbara and Mid West businesses."
Comments attributable to Kimberley MLA Divina D'Anna:
"I want to congratulate Nexus on their first flight today – a company that was born in the Kimberley – now servicing regional residents right across the state.
"The fact that a local Kimberley airline has been able to expand its services and become an integral part of our regional aviation network is testament to the effort and investment our Government has provided to support regional aviation.
"The expanded services will provide greater choice for people in the Kimberley, including new services between Broome and Kununurra and a new link into Darwin, which will encourage attract more visitors into the Kimberley region."
Image caption: Lara Dalton MLA, Member for Geraldton with Nexus Airlines Managing Director Michael McConachy
