New flight cuts travel time

The inaugural Paraburdoo to Karratha flight took off last Wednesday, adding a welcomed route for Pilbara residents, workers and tourists. Aviair announced the leg in January, as part of its inter regional flight network that connects the Pilbara and Kimberley, with Karratha to Port Hedland, Newman and Broome, and Newman to Port Hedland routes having operated since August. With a flight time of just 65 minutes, the Paraburdoo to Karratha flight offers a faster alternative to flying via Perth. Karratha resident Megan Sharman, who works in Paraburdoo, was a passenger on the inaugural flight and said she would be using the service often. “The flight was really good. It was just so smooth,” she said. “I’m very glad the route has been added — it’s so much better and saves time. I can come home and I don’t have to spend the day travelling to get home. “I can just relax and I’m not tired for my break. Because going through Perth, you end up spending all day flying.” Aviair managing director Michael McConachy said he always planned to have Paraburdoo as part of the network in a bid to connect Paraburdoo and Karratha by air for the first time. “We are very pleased to have it as part of the overall network. With Rio’s support, we’ve been able to bring that in,” he said. “So there is certainly a number of businesses and government agencies that are saying it will be a very beneficial service, and for the mining companies as well.” Mr McConachy said the flight, sponsored by Rio Tinto, would also be useful for residents and tourists. “It’s pretty diverse and that’s what we’re finding on the other routes within the network. The feedback has been all positive,” he said Rio Tinto facilities general manager Jessica Dvorak said the flight provided her team with a safer travel alternative. “This provides us with an opportunity to get people off the roads, out of light vehicles into a plane, which is a nice safe working environment, travelling to and from their destination,” she said.