A new air service between Perth and Kalgoorlie was launched last week with much praise, as Northern Star Resources and Alliance Airlines are making community seats available to residents and visitors on their weekly flight.
Northern Star Chief Executive Officer and Gold Industry Group Director Stuart Tonkin said the Company was delighted to use its weekly flight to assist the wider Goldfields community.
“The opportunity to provide seats to the Goldfields community at a capped price of $199 provides affordable travel options to families and small businesses in the Goldfields,” Mr Tonkin said.
Northern Star Chief Executive Officer and Gold Industry Group Director Stuart Tonkin with Kalgoorlie-Boulder Mayor John Bowler
WA Transport Minister Rita Saffioti commended Northern Star Resources and Alliance Airlines for making more flights available at an affordable price for Goldfields residents, their friends and family, and visitors to the region.
"These new community fares provide a new option for locals to travel to Perth, people wanting to visit the beautiful Goldfields region, and businesses needing to fly in contractors and staff,” said Minister Saffioti.
The flights operate on Thursday mornings, departing Perth at 5:25am and Kalgoorlie at 7:10am.
Kalgoorlie MLA Ali Kent mentioned that the issue of ridiculously high prices of flights to Perth and back has been raised with her since being announced as the candidate last year.
"Cheaper flights will benefit every Goldfielder, in many ways. For some, it is regular medical appointments in Perth or an unexpected family emergency, and for others it is trying to meet business commitments,” said Ms Kent.
The new agreement follows similar recent partnerships between resource companies and airlines that have made more affordable community airfares available on flights to Newman, Port Hedland and Onslow.
Mr Tonkin recently told the Kalgoorlie Miner the continued easing of COVID-19 restrictions made this initiative possible.
“This has been a year where people are going to utilise tourism in the State so I think anything that can be done to lower airfares to allow people to travel within the State or the country is going to be a good thing,” Mr Tonkin said.
Bookings can be made by visiting www.allianceairlines.com.au.