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New WA-based regional carrier Nexus Airlines has launched the first flight on its northern route between Broome, Kununurra and Darwin.
A Nexus de Havilland Dash 8-Q400 took off shortly after 7am Friday on the multi-stop Broome–Kununurra–Darwin flight, adding to the airline’s two other routes from Geraldton–Perth and Geraldton–Karratha–Port Hedland–Broome.
The schedule has been designed to allow same-day connections between Darwin Airport and Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane and Adelaide, with the flight arriving in Darwin in time for passengers to connect with other carriers before returning to Broome in the early afternoon.
“Having called Kununurra home for the past 14 years, I understand the critical importance of regular, reliable and affordable air access for this remote part of Western Australia and the Northern Territory,” said Nexus Airlines managing director Michael McConachy.
“Air travel is often the only option for health appointments and is a key driver for tourism and the livability of these remote towns.
“We have seen the challenges over the past few years of roads cut and unaffordable air travel with the region, so I am excited that Nexus Airlines provides a new choice for travelers between Broome, Kununurra and Darwin.”
WA Tourism Minister Rita Saffioti said the Nexus flights will give more people access to the Kimberley region.
“The establishment of this new service will provide people with more choice and place downward pressure on the cost of flights within the Kimberley and to the Northern Territory,” she said.
“We know Kimberley tourism has done it tough with the impact of record flooding earlier this year and providing more connections in and out of the region will help the local industry grow and thrive in the future.”
The flights are expected to build to daily services providing what Nexus describes as cost-effective regional connectivity between the three airports, a move welcomed by Darwin Airport Group CEO Tony Edmondstone.
“With these new flights Nexus Airlines is providing Territorians and West Australians with more opportunities and greater choice, which supports the growth of tourism in these regions,” he said.
“It’s not every day a new airline launches in Darwin and we’re very excited they have included Darwin in their scheduling. We will continue to work closely with Nexus to explore opportunities to expand these services.”
Nexus, which began operations on 10 July, is owned by Aviair, and flies five 76-seater de Havilland Dash 8-Q400 aircraft. It competes with NT-based regional carrier Airnorth, and maintains two regional bases in Geraldton and Broome.
