Community Action Plan

Airport facilities and services

Community driven actions

• Review service from the local airline provider. Concerns raised include: o Unreliable service o Lack of flight options – times and destinations o Lack of competition – one carrier only o Cancellations o Expensive

• Advocate for funding to upgrade the airport: o More / longer runways to accommodate growth (larger airlines and larger aircraft) o Improved facilities inside airport eg a café, lounge areas

A sample of community voices

“We need reliable services and more flights.” “Reliable air transport without continual cancellations.”

“Get an airline that works two flights a day and make the fares cheaper so more people can use the service.”

“More flights available (not only one company to choose from). More destinations like straight to over Eastern State will boost Esperance Tourism and be beneficial for businesses to grow.“

“Ensure fair prices and quality service that is consistent.”

“Need an airline that is more sustainable to the country as REX airlines can't keep up with the demands of Esperance people who rely heavy on it for medical reasons etc. I do understand delays due to short staffed or weather but half the time they're leaving people delayed then cancelling last minute leaving people out of pocket or losing money from medical appointments or connecting flights.”

“Improve the airport facility to operate more bigger aircrafts to improve tourism and bring more competitive passenger transport operators.”

“Improve airport to allow for larger planes and provide a small coffee shop for waiting passengers.”

"Better facilities, on time planes, better seating and lounging experience. More food options.“

“Lengthening of the runway to accommodate larger planes will drive economic development across various sectors and provide more choice and access to the community.”

“Airport infrastructure holds Esperance back. Needs to be able to take the big operators in order to attract the big operators, otherwise their businessand every community flow on benefit from the humans on board - goes to the next airport and town that will take them. Needs to be developed to a standard that reflects the community critical asset that it is.”