Singapore-Broome flights a step closer

The Broome International Gateway project has been successful in securing an airline to carry out the long-awaited Singapore-Broome route, signalling the introduction of a regular international passenger service from Asia to the state’s North West.

After more than two years of discussions with government, airlines, tourism operators and developers, an airline has been chosen to service the route, the name of which could not be released.

The start date for the flights was scheduled for late 2007, but the service is now not expected to commence until March 2008.

Australia’s North West Tourism chief executive Glenn Chidlow said the scheduled start date for the Singapore-Broome flights was pushed out because of seasonality and the availability of aircraft.

He said the launch of the new flights in 2008 would coincide with the tourist high season.

Tiger Airways has been touted as a possible candidate for the route.

The Singapore-based airline launched a Singapore-Darwin service in December 2005, and has since increased its flight frequency to five flights per week on this route.

The introduction of the new route prompted the Northern Territory government to help fund the promotion of the service and the destination to Asian customers, agreeing to a three-year joint marketing plan and committing $350,000 each year over the three years.

Australia’s North West Tourism has been spearheading the charge to establish Broome as the state’s international gateway, due to its proximity to key tourist attractions in the Kimberley and Pilbara regions.

The gateway project has received funds from the federal government, Tourism WA, Kimberley Development Commission and Broome International Airport to complete a scoping study and readiness program to ensure the sustainability of international flights.

Negotiations are under way for further assistance from the state government for the marketing of the route.

Broome International Airport is already accustomed to receiving international charter flights. It is currently undertaking upgrades to its customs, immigration and security facilities in anticipation of regular passenger services.

Australia’s North West Tourism believes while the airport will need to be upgraded in the future, it will, in its current form and location, be able to handle the international service.

“The airport is used to handling international flights already, but changes are being made to make processing more streamlined,” Mr Chidlow said.