Kimberley residents and travellers will be able to fly to the eastern states in one day from July through a history-making flight schedule released by Nexus Airlines this week.
The new airline – launched by Kimberley tourism and aviation company HMC Group this month – plans to start flying its northern routes connecting Broome, Kununurra and Darwin from July 28.
For what is believed to be the first time, the schedule will allow for same-day connections from the Kimberley to Melbourne, Sydney, Brisbane and Adelaide via connections with other commercial carriers.
The flights have been marketed as “cost-effective” for those travelling for both pleasure and business, with Kununurra to Darwin starting at $199, Broome to Kununurra from $235 and Broome to Darwin, via Kununurra, from $349.
Nexus Airlines managing director Michael McConachy, who lives in Kununurra, said he was excited the carrier would be able to achieve the schedule by using Broome as a regional aviation hub.
“We identified that there was a great need for a more efficient connection to the east coast for those living in the Kimberley and also for those travelling to the Kimberley,” he said.
“The new Nexus schedule will help to improve livability in Kununurra and Broome allowing easier access for visiting friends and family, as well as driving tourism and economic development in the Kimberley, which is something I am passionate about.”
The flights will start in earnest with a handful of flights per week before building to include daily services between Broome, Kununurra and Darwin by the end of the year.
Flights will depart from the Broome International Airport at 7.05am and arrive in Kununurra at 8.35am before connecting onto Darwin at 9.10am and arriving into Darwin at 11.45am (CST).
Nexus Airlines will then depart Darwin at 2.10pm (CST), arrive in Kununurra at 1.45pm (WST), depart Kununurra at 2.20pm and arrive at Broome at 3.50pm.
Passengers will travel in Nexus Airlines’ 76-seat De Havilland next generation Dash 8 – Q400 aircraft, which Mr McConachy said had been “carefully selected” for their outstanding performance in hot and humid conditions.
He said the aircraft provided cabin comfort, high cruising speed, and significant fuel and carbon emission savings compared to similar sized jet aircraft.
Nexus was unveiled at a launch in Perth in May, marking the first regional airline to launch in WA since REX in 2002.
HMC Group, already owns a portfolio of businesses including Kununurra-based Aviair, Bungle Bungle Savannah Lodge, Bungle Bungle Guided Tours, Kimberley Experiences and the Australian Helicopter Academy.
Nexus has opened new aviation bases in Geraldton and Broome, with plans to employ 20 to 30 people within 12 months. It is also operating flights between Geraldton and Perth, and has expanded the existing Inter Regional Flight Network between Geraldton, Karratha, Port Hedland and Broome.
Fares go on sale Wednesday, May 31 at nexusairlines.com.au