A network of inter-regional flights between centres in the Pilbara and Kimberley has been unveiled at the Developing Northern Australia conference.
 
The City of Karratha, Shire of East Pilbara and Aviair announced the route network on Thursday evening with ports to include Karratha, Newman, Broome and Port Hedland with Rio Tinto committing support for the introduction of a further route between Karratha and Paraburdoo.

Flight services are expected to begin on August 16.

City of Karratha Mayor Peter Long said getting inter-regional flights off the ground had been a priority for Council for a number of years.

“Council is pleased to be able to support this new flight network which improves connectivity for our residents and opportunity for our business community,” Cr Long said.

“After a number of years of hard work, this is a great example of progressive regional Councils working together with industry partners to achieve a shared vision that benefits the entire region.

Shire of East Pilbara president Lynne Craigie said the collaborative approach to establishing this network had been very successful.

“This flight network leads the way for the provision of flight services in regional areas and the Shire of East Pilbara is excited to be part of a project that delivers for our community,” Cr Craigie said.

Aviair Managing Director, Michael McConachy, said the Aviair team have worked hard to be a leader in the provision of regional air services including regular public transport, charter and tourism flights.

“We are proudly locally owned, committed to the regions we operate in and to delivering a safe and high quality service to all. Aviair is delighted to be working with the stakeholders to provide what we believe to be an essential service for the future development of the Pilbara and Kimberley regions,” Mr McConachy said.

Rio Tinto Managing Director Port, Rail and Core Services Ivan Vella said the company supported the new route servicing Paraburdoo and Karratha.

“We are supportive of initiatives like this that promote economic development in the Pilbara by making it easier for businesses, the community and our workforce to travel within the region. This new service should also ensure greater employment opportunities for Traditional Owners residing on the coast.”

Information on schedule and fares will be released here shortly.