Perth-Busselton air service closer

Regular tourist flights between Perth and Busselton could become a reality in as little as 12 months, with two airlines expressing interest in providing the service following the commencement of regular fly-in fly-out services from Busselton airport.

With FIFO services between Busselton and Byrnecut Mining’s northern Goldfields operation having started in July, and a FIFO service to the Pilbara for Rio Tinto employees soon to take off, the Shire of Busselton and the local tourism association say incorporating tourist travel to and from the airport is their next priority. 

The shire’s consultant on the project, Ray McMillan, said the commencement of regular FIFO services from Busselton airport had sparked the interest of two carriers, which he wouldn’t name, that were interested in exploring the possibility of regular public transport (RPT) services into Busselton.

He said the most viable option was to integrate a regular commuter service between Busselton and Perth to transport FIFO workers, which would be underwritten by the mining companies, and essentially piggy-backing tourist travel on those flights.

The airport already is capable of handling jet aircraft of up to 130-seat capacity, but would need to undergo the necessary baggage and security upgrades required for RPT services, at an estimated cost of more than $1 million.

It is expected that the government would contribute part of the upgrade costs.

While trials of tourist flights between Perth and Busselton, conducted back in the late 1990s, failed to lead to the establishment of a regular service, Mr McMillan believes the changing attitudes towards air travel and current economic climate warranted a significant airport development in the South West. 

“The demographics have changed and certainly the economy has changed since then,” he said.

“There’s been a growing interest and greater acceptance for air travel over shorter distances; a market shift in attitude towards air travel.”

In the longer term, about two years, the airport would be opened up to regular interstate, as well as intrastate, flights.

Geographe Bay Tourism Association general manager Matt Walker, who has also been part of the planning process, said regular FIFO services was the step in getting regular tourist flights off the ground.

He said securing a carrier for the service could expedite the process.

“FIFO was identified through the strategic planning process as an important first step towards tourist flights, it was the catalyst,” he told WA Business News.

“A lot needs to happen in terms of infrastructure, and it’s a council owned asset so have to work through council processes,” he said.

“But if a third party came in, it would definitely speed things up.”

The estimated travel time from Perth to Busselton by air is between 30 and 40 minutes, depending on the type of aircraft used. And while the frequency of flights and fares are a long way from being finalised, tourists could expect to see fares start at about $200 return.