Published on Tuesday, 28 October 2014 at 12:00:00 AM
The Onslow Airport yesterday received approval for regular passenger transport (RPT) flights from the regulatory authorities for Category 6 services, which means planes under 20 tonnes. The rules for Category 6 RPT services means passenger and baggage screening is not required, thus providing residents with the ability to access flights to/from Onslow on these smaller style planes.
General paying passengers can therefore soon fly to Perth from Onslow, and return, on a Skippers Airline flight.
The Shire understands Skippers will be making the first flight on Monday 17 November, and flying Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays.
Deputy Shire President Linton Rumble said he was delighted to hear the news and encourages all Onslow residents to get on board.
“This is a significant step,” Cr Rumble said. “And the timing couldn’t be better with Christmas just around the corner. We hope to see residents and businesses making use of the flights.”
Skippers will use the existing temporary terminal. The Shire is aiming to have the main terminal completed by early 2015 but there will be other works undertaken into early-mid 2015, like civil works ‘landside’ of the airport, before the airport is officially opened.
Note: Category 3 approval is for 20+tonne aircraft which is a large ‘standard’ QANTAS or Virgin plane for example, and does require passenger and baggage screening.
“The cost of running the screening is expensive and will be part of the commercial decision airlines make in determining flights.”
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