It is rare to witness the launch of a new airline — but Nexus Airline burst into WA skies with a powerhouse launch on Wednesday.
Based in Geraldton and Broome, it will connect regional towns and communities, flying regular return services on 76-seat Dash8 400 aircraft between Geraldton and Perth, and Broome, Kununurra and Darwin.
It will also expand the existing inter-regional flight network between Geraldton, Karratha, Port Hedland and Broome.
That will ultimately mean that if you want to fly between Geraldton and Karratha, you won’t have to go back to Perth and overnight there.
As the airline develops, you could tour the coast by plane, from Perth to Geraldton, Karratha, Port Hedland, Broome, Kununurra and finishing up in Darwin.
For travellers, it will open up a new network of access — which is particularly crucial for international and national tourists.
But, importantly, it will also be a massive improvement for locals moving between cities and towns, particularly for business.
Behind the plan is WA aviation and tourism business HMC Group, which owns a portfolio of businesses including Kununurra-based Aviair, Bungle Bungle Savannah Lodge, Bungle Bungle Guided Tours, Kimberley Experiences and the Australian Helicopter Academy.
HMC Group director Michael McConachy said the creation of Nexus and the new regional routes were an expansion of about seven years of low capacity, scheduled air services run by Aviair throughout the Kimberley and Pilbara.
“Having lived in the Kimberley now for 14 years, and seen the importance of good, reliable air services at regional airports, I know it is a key economic driver for the regions and the communities,” Michael says.
“We are in a sweet spot; we are not looking to compete with the major airlines, but we are looking to fill a much-needed gap in the market between the larger airlines and smaller charter, air transport operators.
“Our goal is to build a new regional airline, with comfortable, reliable air service . . . aviation is expensive but we are working hard to provide this service at a price point that is accessible for the majority to be able to better access regional WA.”
Nexus has opened new aviation bases in Geraldton and Broome, with plans to employ 20 to 30 people within 12 months.
As Michael adds: “We understand living in regional WA. Our whole team lives in regional WA. I live in Kununurra.”
City of Greater Geraldton Mayor Shane Van Styn says: “It’s very exciting to announce a new airline coming to Geraldton, particularly one that will have a regional base located in Geraldton.”
A fleet of five aircraft will take to the skies on July 10, with tickets available at nexusairlines.com.au.
The red ochre and turquoise of Nexus Airlines’ logo and branding reflects the landscape itself. And it was developed in conjunction with Kununurra-based Waringarri Aboriginal Arts Centre, featuring the work of senior artists and Miriwoong elders Peggy Griffiths and Ben Ward. Peggy came up with the lines and jots, representing journeys, and Ben’s work features the coming together of five rivers in the East Kimberley.
The State Government has contributed $4 million to launch the new airline — with that money collectively matched nearly dollar-for-dollar by the Shire of Broome, Town of Port Hedland, City of Karratha and City of Greater Geraldton. There is further funding from Broome International Airport and Port Hedland International Airport.
The official launch function at Optus Stadium on Wednesday morning was a who’s who of government and tourism.
WA Tourism Minister Roger Cook and Transport Minister Rita Saffioti both spoke, as did Mr Aashish Sonawala, of Nordic Aviation Capital, the company which has leased the five aircraft to Nexus. He came from Singapore for the event.
It was interesting to see representatives of private enterprise, State Government departments and agencies, shires and town councils, and tourism bodies who have all been working hard together. It was a tribute to Michael McConachy’s leadership, energy and commitment.
“Two years ago I had dark hair,” said the now-grey Michael in answer to a question about how much he had put in to the project. “It’s been a challenging journey and its been a rewarding journey.”
COMMENT
BY STEPHEN SCOURFIELD
When Michael McConachy opened Freshwater East Kimberley Apartment he told me: “We are not just building it and walking away. We live here. We have a long-term commitment.”
Those words echoed on Wednesday morning, as I sat among the big, powerhouse gathering to see the launch of Nexus Airlines — the latest of Michael’s many projects, all of which have not only their roots in the red dirt of WA, but their focus on its future.
Indeed, in Latin the word “nexus” means a connection or link between things and between people.
Michael has walked the talk. He is walking the talk. He is living his long-term commitment to regional WA.
The business group Michael has built comprises Helispirit, Aviair, those Freshwater East Kimberley Apartments (in Kununurra), Bungle Bungle Savannah Lodge and Bungle Bungle Guided Tours (in Purnululu National Park) and Kimberley Experiences.
Kimberley Experiences Group bought the Pumphouse restaurant in Kununurra in September. A local who knows Michael well tells me his main motivation was “because the town needs it”. The Pumphouse now has up-and-coming Kimberley business Spinifex Brewing Co as exclusive tap partner.
In revisiting all this, I’m also taken back to something Michael said in December 2022, when it was announced that aviation and tourism company HMC Group was to receive $15m from the Australian Business Growth Fund to further their work in the Kimberley and Pilbara regions. Even though he is HMC’s managing director, Michael always speaks from the heart: “My aim is to leave a worthwhile legacy in the State of WA, knowing that we have contributed something of value to the regional communities in which we live and operate.”