Airnorth Considers Expanding Perth Operations to Diversify Revenue Sources

Airnorth is contemplating an expansion of its operations from Perth International, aiming to diversify its revenue streams and mitigate the impact of the seasonal downturn experienced at its primary hub in Darwin during the wet season. This strategic move seeks to capitalize on the robust demand for fly-in-fly-out (FIFO) and charter services, particularly from Perth, which serves as a key gateway for the oil, gas, and mining industries in Western Australia.

Chief Operating Officer Simon Gibbons revealed to Aviation Week Network the airline’s intentions to bolster its presence in Perth as part of its broader operational strategy. Airnorth has already begun reallocating some of its staff, including pilots, to support the planned expansion in the region. This adjustment underscores the significance of FIFO and charter operations as complementary to the airline’s core scheduled passenger services.

Airnorth’s fleet, as per ch-aviation, comprises five Embraer E120s, three E170s, and three E190s, the latter being leased from Alliance Airlines. The airline’s network spans 16 airports, including international flights to Dili, Timor-Leste, and domestic routes connecting Perth with Kununurra, Darwin, and, starting March 25, Alice Springs.

Recent flight tracking data indicates that Airnorth has already deployed at least one Embraer jet on Western Australia routes, including charter flights to remote destinations such as Christmas Island and Truscott-Mungalalu. The latter, situated on the Anjo Peninsula in the Kimberley region, is accessible only to those with permission to enter Aboriginal land.

While Perth emerges as a significant center for FIFO services catering to the mining and resource sectors, competition among airlines for contracts remains fierce. Airnorth’s current involvement in FIFO operations out of Perth appears sporadic, with the airline yet to establish a permanent base or station aircraft regularly in the city. However, opportunities for charter services and potential FIFO operations from Darwin also present viable avenues for growth.

As Airnorth explores the feasibility of enhancing its Perth operations, the move could offer a strategic counterbalance to the seasonal challenges faced in Darwin, where the wet season spans from November to April. This expansion could enable Airnorth to better leverage Western Australia’s dynamic resource sector and strengthen its position in the competitive aviation market.