Renewed licence for Skywest

Skywest announced today it has accepted an offer from the state government to extend its coastal network licence by a further 12 months, while they continue negotiations over a new long-term contract.

The announcement is below:

Western Australia's major regional carrier, Skywest will continue to operate 'business as usual' following the acceptance of an offer made by the State Government to extend its Coastal Network Licence for an additional 12 months to 30 June 2010.

Skywest CEO Mark Shelton said the decision to extend the contract for a further 12 months was a positive outcome for Skywest and for regional Western Australia.

"This extension creates short-term certainty for the regional communities we service," Mr Shelton said.

"We remain committed to the long-term future of regional aviation in Western Australia and look forward to working with the government with a view to entering into a long-term contract that will create greater certainty for all parties."

"Skywest welcomes the Minister's understanding that airlines need long-term stability and will continue to look for a commercial outcome that is viable for both Skywest and regional communities throughout the state," he said