Skywest and the other main regional network operator, Skippers Aviation, have both accepted a 12-month extension to their existing contracts from the State Government, while arrangements for the long-term contracts are being negotiated.

WA Transport Minister Simon O’Brien said he would work to negotiate appropriate long-term arrangements to give the airlines and passengers the security and certainty they needed for the future.

“The way to guarantee future services will be to give airlines the long-term certainty they need to invest in new aircraft and other infrastructure,” he said.

As soon as long-term arrangements had been agreed, the 12-month extension would be annulled, with the new arrangements beginning immediately.

Mr O’Brien said the Government believed it more important to put regional WA’s need for regular passenger air services ahead of wholesale deregulation of intrastate air routes.

“In the coming months I will be visiting those communities for whom regular air services are a vital link,” Mr O’Brien said.

“This will enable me to take soundings and seek feedback on what additional service levels and standards regional communities would like to see improved upon as the Government negotiates long-term contract arrangement with regional air service providers.”