Wheels up for Derby residents as State Government secures direct flights to Broome

Derby residents will soon be able to fly directly to Broome, after the McGowan government today announced direct flights. Aviair will operate three return flights per week between Broome and Derby, commencing in August this year. Spots on the nine-seat aircraft will be available at the fixed price of $119 each way, with flights initially operating for a 12-month trial period. The new service will allow Derby travellers to access essential services in Perth by connecting to Broome flights. The flight will depart Broome at 3pm on Monday and Tuesday and arrive in Derby at 3.35pm, with the return flight leaving Derby at 4.35pm to arrive in Broome at 5.30pm. Flights will be one hour earlier on Friday, departing Broome at 2pm and Derby at 3.35pm. Passengers will be able to travel with 23kg of checked luggage and can book tickets through the Aviair website. Transport minister Rita Saffioti said Derby residents deserve access to regular and affordable flights to Broome. “As the original Perth to Derby air service was found not to be viable, we’ve been working closely with the Shire of Derby-West Kimberley to find a suitable alternative,” she said. “It’s exciting times.” Kimberley MLA Divina D’Anna said access to affordable and quality flights was essential for Kimberley residents. “The flights will provide a quick connection for residents between Derby and Broome and will mean better access to flights to Perth,” she said. “This will make it easier to see family, get to important appointments or take up opportunities afforded to the rest of the State.” The Shire of Derby West-Kimberley President Geoff Haerewa said the flights would be a “big drawcard for FIFO workers to live and work in Derby and the West Kimberley.” “Residents in the Fitzroy Valley can now access affordable flights and only have to travel to Derby to get a connecting flight instead of travelling 400km one way to Broome,” he said. “It will also be a boon for tourism and visitors to more easily fly to Derby and access the Kimberley.” It comes after the State Government committed $1 million for a 12 month trial of direct flights between Perth and Derby at the 2017 election. Then in 2020, the Shire of Derby-West Kimberley submitted a proposal to allocate that funding to a Derby to Broome trial.