Direct flights and changes to routes set to cut to flight travel time for Mid West residents

Residents in the Mid West towns of Mt Magnet, Meekatharra and Wiluna are expected to benefit from improved air services following a collaboration between the Department of Transport, Skippers Aviation and Ramelius Resources. Previously, passengers travelling to Perth had to endure a four-hour flight on a triangulated route, flying Perth-Wiluna-Meekatharra-Mt Magnet-Perth, which was offered three times a week by regional airline Skippers Aviation. A new schedule will offer direct flights between Mt Magnet and Perth, reducing the travel time to just under an hour-and-a-half, three times a week. The travel time from Meekatharra and Wiluna to Perth will also be cut by an hour-and-a-half on Monday and Friday flights, with Mt Magnet removed from the route. Residents from the three towns can take advantage of $199 one-way capped prices when travelling to Perth, as long as they book a return flight. Department of Transport director of aviation Peter Ryan said residents had already expressed their appreciation for the cuts to travel time. “We know how important air services are to the regions and we’re very pleased to have worked together with Skippers and Ramelius to deliver a great result for the communities involved,” he said.