More than 50 capped airfares sold on Geraldton route under new $199-each way scheme

More than 50 Geraldton fares on the new capped $199 each-way route have been sold to regional residents under a cost-saving scheme that came into force last week. A Department of Transport spokesperson said the regional airfare zone cap initiative had been “well-received by the Geraldton community”. The capped fares can only be sold to regional residents flying to and from Perth, and only apply to return flights. The McGowan Government invested $19.8 million over three years to make air travel between Perth and the regions more affordable, with regional residents paying no more than $199 each-way if they live within 1000km of Perth or $299 each-way if they live beyond 1000km from the capital. The department spokesperson said the Australian-first initiative, which took flight on July 1, was developed with significant consultation across regional WA in recent months. “Regional residents must book a return flight to access the zone cap fares, with travel originating from a regional destination to Perth and back to the same regional destination,” the spokesperson said. “The requirement to book a return airfare with travel starting from the region ensures the zone cap fare is used exclusively by regional residents.” Geraldton MP Lara Dalton said providing Geraldton residents with certainty that they would pay no more than $398 for return flights to Perth was a “terrific outcome for our community”. She encouraged locals who planned air travel to Perth to get in touch with the airlines and sign up to the relevant programs to ensure they could take advantage of these savings. To access the cap fares on Qantas flights, people need to register with its frequent flyer program. “Exorbitant, unaffordable airfares have long been a concern for Geraldton residents,” Ms Dalton said. “Many of us have had bad experiences with very high prices when looking to book flights to and from Perth. “This has been particularly difficult for people who need to travel for medical appointments or compassionate reasons. “The McGowan Government has been pursuing the issue of unaffordable regional airfares since 2017, firstly working with the airlines to secure special residents’ fares for routes and now introducing the capped airfares policy – the first of its kind in the country.” The new capped flights come at a time when Qantas — the only airline offering commercial flights in and out of Geraldton Airport — cancelled 15 Geraldton flights in June and July due to COVID-related issues. Ms Dalton said she understood how frustrating recent cancellations must be to passengers. “This is a problem we are seeing right around the world as companies manage the impacts of COVID-19 infections on their workforce,” she said. “The State Government will continue to work closely with the airlines to assist them to manage these issues.”