New approach leads to cheaper airfares for Albany and Esperance

Discounted airfares will continue to be offered on the Albany and Esperance air routes after partnership agreements between Regional Express (Rex) and the City of Albany, Shire of Esperance and Perth Airport were extended until 2020.

These agreements will see Rex offering the significantly discounted one way $129 Rex Community Fare for a further three years on both the Perth-Albany and Perth-Esperance routes.

Brett Hughes, Executive Director, Transport Strategy and Reform, Department of Transport said that a significant amount of work had been undertaken by all parties involved to enable this achievement.

"The low fare is the result of innovative thinking and collaboration between Rex, Perth Airport and the regional airports.

"This long-term partnership agreement between Rex, the local governments and Perth Airport will deliver more competitive airfares to the towns of Albany and Esperance and the broader WA community," Mr Hughes said.

The Community Fare, which is inclusive of fees and charges, is available for passengers booking more than 60 days in advance, subject to availability, as well as being made available on all remaining unsold seats within 24 hours prior to departure.

"It is a fantastic outcome of industry innovation and collaboration that will generate growth and real economic benefits for the local community and the regions at large.

"The steps taken by Rex, the City of Albany, the Shire of Esperance and Perth Airport to offer attractive airfares for the community are to be commended and we encourage others to follow their example," said Mr Hughes.

Rex provides 23 regulated Regular Public Transport air services per week on the Perth-Albany route and 18 air services per week on the Perth-Esperance route under a five year deed of agreement with the State Government that is managed by the Department of Transport.

The Labor Government is currently conducting a Parliamentary Inquiry into regional airfares, the Department of Transport looks forward to other innovative approaches to regional airfares in the future.

Media contact: (08) 6551 6273 media@transport.wa.gov.au