Media Release
29th July 2004

Skippers Gives "Lavertonites" a Break with
Super Special Regional Airfares

Skippers, WA's Truly Regional Airline, is truly living up to its promise to support developing regional communities with the announcement today of heavily discounted fares being offered specifically to the residents of the Shire of Laverton.

Local families and residents of this remote Western Australian community are being offered 70% off* the normal price of full economy airfares when travelling with Skippers between Laverton and Perth before 31st January 2005 *.

The offer puts air travel well within reach of the average family of four, who might normally pay around $1200 to travel on a fully flexible fare for the 723 kilometre flight to Perth. Residents can now expect to pay around $400* if they book before
31st September 2004 for 2 adults and 2 children to travel one way from Laverton to Perth. The Emerald Hotel in Perth has also come to the party, offering specially discounted room rates to coincide with the fare.

The move has been heartily welcomed by Shire CEO, Mr Murray Brown , who was grateful that there is an airline that is living up to its promise of supporting local regional communities:

“The Laverton Escape Fare will be of fantastic value to Laverton residents, especially for those that don't get the opportunity to travel to Perth very often”, Mr Brown said. “It's a demonstration to the local community of Skippers' support for our community, and goes a long way to achieving their objective that they are a truly regional airline.”

Skippers CEO, Mr Rob Swann, agreed. “It is important that regional airlines seek to maximise benefit for all sections of the community they service. Too often we see the corporate/business traveller prioritised over the local families. The Skippers brand seeks to leverage mining and other community stakeholders to the benefit of all community members and will continue to look for innovative ways to make the convenience of air travel within everyone's reach. ”

The offer follows Skippers' successful $49.00 fare promotion to Geraldton, Kalbarri and Monkey Mia last month, and Mr Swann expressed that the airline were looking to extend these “Escape” fares to other remote regional communities such as Meekatharra and Wiluna in the near future.

“We hope that other W.A. regional airlines take our lead and truly commit to the regional communities they service”, Mr Swann said.

Laverton Escape Fares can only be booked via the Skippers Call Centre after an approved application is received by 31 August 2004*. Special conditions will apply to ensure that full time residents gain the maximum benefit from this initiative.

Skippers Aviation Pty Ltd is wholly Western Australian owned airline servicing mining and regional communities throughout Western Australia. Commencing its services in 1990, the company has grown to a fleet of 20 of the fastest and most modern turbo-prop aircraft and employs approximately 170 staff. Skippers have provided a regular air service to Laverton since 7th July 2003.

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For further information, please contact:
Rob Swann (08) 9478 3989