Singapore flights touted for Broome

A proposal to introduce flights between Broome and Singapore this year is progressing with a consortium looking to appoint an airline to run the services.

The intent is to trial three to four return flights this year as a pilot to determine passenger demand and viability of regular services between the two locations into the future.

Meetings have been held with Singapore Airlines subsidiary Silk Air and travel agents in the Asian city to sell five-day/four night packages into Broome.

It was anticipated there would be two groups of travellers from Singapore – each with about 160 passengers – with the potential for a fourth flight if seats sold well.

A special meeting of Shire of Broome councillors on Tuesday JAN24 was due to consider underwriting two of the legs not included within the packages offered in Singapore.

The maximum cost to the council would be under $100,000 and subject to the amount of tickets sold.

Broome International Airport and Australia’s Northwest Tourism are driving the plan.

ANWT chief executive Glen Chidlow said it was critical for Kimberley residents to help fill outbound sectors.

“We know there is a strong desire for people to utilise international services from Broome and once implemented the on-going support of residents will ultimately dictate if the services survive or not,” he said.

BIA chief executive Paul McSweeney said the airport was looking to develop new routes into the town and preliminary investigations into Singapore as a preferred destination were under way.

“With Singapore less than four hours’ flying time from Broome, and its position as a major aviation hub in Asia, it stands as the most likely destination when considering international services,” Mr McSweeney said.

“Some consideration has been given on running a series of charter flights in the early stages, rather than a regular service, to see how the market reacts.”

But he was quick to point out the international services were far from a done deal.

“Establishing new aviation routes, particularly international routes, is an extremely complex process, and the work undertaken so far is really to test the ground, establish relationships, and learn more about the potential demand for the service,” Mr McSweeney said.