Ms. Beard questions the Minister for Transport regarding the suitability of Carnarvon Airport's runway for Dash 8-Q400 aircraft, given the exclusive rights granted to an airline for regional routes. The Minister's response focuses on ongoing negotiations and the importance of maintaining air services to regional areas, despite acknowledging concerns about the chosen airline.

AnsweredQoN 684Legislative Assembly
Asked
21 September 2023
Portfolio
Transport

QuestionView source ↗

AIR SERVICES — CARNARVON AIRPORT
684. Ms M. BEARD to the Minister for Transport:
I refer to the answer provided in
the Legislative Council yesterday regarding the exclusive rights to operate air
services on selected regulated regional Western Australian routes. Can the
minister confirm that her department has verified the runway at Carnarvon Airport
is of a suitable standard to meet the required specifications for the Dash
8-Q400 aircraft on regular services?

AnswerView source ↗

As
I understand it, negotiations are currently occurring between the Department of
Transport and the airline on the aircraft
that are able to fly in that area. Of course, we are supporting regional air
flights in Western Australia, including through the regional air cap. That means we are capping the cost of air
travel throughout regional Western Australia. I know the member is
opposed to this particular airline. I understand that, but when it is the only
one that put up its hand to fly the route, the alternative was that no airline
would fly that route. We are not going to let these places have no airlines flying
in and out. This is a challenging area. The Department of Transport is working
with the relevant company to make sure we have the capacity for a variety of
aircraft to land.

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