Eight months after breaking the hearts of plane-spotters across Perth, Victorian charter carrier Ozjet Airlines will make its move into the WA market with a Perth-Derby service to commence in February next year.
In March this year the then business class-only carrier had planned to start a Perth-Melbourne service, only to withdraw from scheduled services and concentrate on charter work before flying a single mile.
But now the company is back in WA, commencing Derby's first air services from Perth's domestic airport to the Department of Defence's Curtin Airbase, situated 30km from the town, operating three return flights per week.
The State government has granted Ozjet exclusive access to the route for two years with an option for a further 12 months.
This will help the company avoid the red-eye factor, which it blamed in part for the failure of its earlier attempt to break into the Perth-Melbourne market.
Flights will be two hours' long and are scheduled to leave Perth at 5.30am, to return at 12.30pm.
Ozjet chief executive Willie O'Neill said the company would look to expand its presence in the WA market, with this service to be a base for the group.
The process for setting up this one had been very involved, he said, with the company working with the Derby-West Kimberley shire to negotiate an agreement with three local mining companies.
"We had to negotiate with the three mines to align their working rosters, to ensure a sustainable volume of passengers was achieved to justify the service," Mr O'Neill said.
"Our return fares will be competitively priced when compared with existing airfares."
The service will run on Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday each week on a 737-200 aircraft.
Planning and Infrastructure Minister Alannah MacTiernan said the service would provide a boost to the town.
"A regular passenger service for the public is an important way that regional communities can gain some benefit from fly-in fly-out mining operations.
"While mining employees will be its mainstay, local people, other local employers and businesses will also be able to take advantage of this service."
Shire president Elsia Archer said the shire was delighted that the State Government had approved the application for this integral service .
"Our community looks forward to this convenient service commencing and we are sure it will offer an opportunity to attract more tourists to our beautiful region," Ms Archer said.
