Regional capped airfares continue to soar in popularity

• ​Figures show increase in support for Australia-first regional capped airfares initiative
• More than 37,800 capped fares flown between October and December 2022
• More than 66,200 capped fares flown since the scheme launched in July last year
  

The State Government's Regional Airfares Zone Cap (RAZC) Scheme continues to grow in popularity, with regional residents using more than 37,800 capped airfares during the second quarter of the scheme between October and December 2022.

The figure represents a 33 per cent increase on the previous quarter results of 28,439 and brings the total of zone cap fares flown since the scheme started on July 1 last year to 66,200.

Karratha to Perth remained the most popular route for the second quarter, with 8,512 one-way capped fares flown - an increase of nearly 33 per cent on the route's first quarter results of 6,404.

The Kalgoorlie to Perth route was the second most popular with 5,371 fares flown, an increase of nearly 62 per cent on first quarter results of 3,317.

Port Hedland to Perth came in third with 5,200 fares flown, with the route recording the biggest increase of 73 per cent compared to results from the first quarter.

Steady second quarter increases of approximately 28 per cent were also experienced by Paraburdoo with 2,595 and Albany with 2,173 fares flown.  

The RAZC Scheme makes regional airfares more affordable for regional residents by capping the cost of one-way flights to and from Perth at $199 or $299.

In response to the Kimberley floods, capped fares were also made available to Fitzroy Crossing residents travelling between Kununurra and Perth, particularly people living on the east side of the Fitzroy River who can still drive to Kununurra.

For more information on the RAZC Scheme, visit www.farego.wa.gov.au

Comments attributed to Transport Minister Rita Saffioti:

"Our Australia-first Regional Airfares Zone Cap Scheme has now been running for six months, and the second quarter figures show the scheme is going from strength to strength.

"Since it launched in July last year, more than 66,200 fares have been flown, with the most recent figures showing a 33 per cent increase on the first quarter results.

"By making air travel more accessible, this landmark scheme is supporting the economic development of our regions and making them more attractive places to live.

"As the scheme becomes further established, we expect the momentum gathered so far to continue and for thousands more regional residents to fly to Perth more affordably and connect with family, friends, and essential services in Perth."

Minister's office - 6552 5500 

Data on the Regional Airfares Zone Cap Scheme to date