21/9/04
There will soon be a new player in the Singapore-Perth market - Valuair.
Tourism Minister Bob Kucera welcomed the announcement today that the Singapore-based budget carrier would fly daily between Perth and Singapore, starting in December 2004, subject to regulatory approvals.
“This is a great coup for the Western Australian tourism industry - Perth will be the first Australian city incorporated into the Valuair network,” Mr Kucera said.
“Valuair currently operates between Singapore, Hong Kong, Bangkok and Jakarta, and their expansion of services will mean Perth remains a competitive destination in our region.
“Valuair provides a genuine alternative to the traditional carriers and is expected to offer flights at very competitive prices.”
Exporters of fresh WA produce may also benefit as a result of these new services because Valuair is collaborating with NTUC FairPrice, a leading Singaporean supermarket chain that already stocks a large range of Australian produce.
Mr Kucera said the proliferation of low-cost airlines in the South East Asian region was changing the face of air travel.
“It is important that WA becomes part of the low-cost airline phenomenon and establishes itself as a desirable destination for budget carriers,” he said.
“The competitive airfares grow our market by attracting new visitors who wouldn’t otherwise travel to WA.”
The Minister said rather than taking business away from traditional carriers, global evidence suggested that low-cost airlines such as Valuair generated new business.
“Increasing air access to WA continues to be a key area of focus for the Government and this announcement celebrates the first Asian international budget carrier to fly out of Perth,” he said.
Minister's office: 9213 7000
