Qantas talks on Pilbara airfares

Pilbara airfare prices were discussed by Shire of East Pilbara representatives and Member for Durack Melissa Price with Qantas in Newman last week.

Ms Price said the meeting was “very productive” and added the groups had agreed to work on a plan to communicate discount airfares to Pilbara residents more effectively.

“I discussed Qantas putting more effort into promoting the Pilbara, and they have agreed to look into it,” she said.

“They are now going back to the drawing board to work out a strategy.”

The meeting comes after continued lobbying by the Shire of East Pilbara for fairer flight prices in and out of the mining town.

Shire chief executive Allen Cooper said because of the short notice of the meeting, councillors, including Shire president Lynne Craigie, were not in attendance, but he said he was pleased the meeting was held in Newman.

Mr Cooper said he had hoped an earlier invitation would encourage Qantas’ management to hold a public forum to discuss airfare pricing, and he said while that did not eventuate, the invitation still stands.

“We will continue to push for more realistic airfares that have a consistent pricing strategy for our residents,” he said.

“The invitation for a public forum with Qantas management is still open and we will continue to maintain energy and firm representation for our residents on what is such an important issue.”

A Qantas spokeswoman said its representatives at the meeting reiterated the airline was always looking at ways to “stimulate the market” and that Newman airfares were discounted regularly.

“The vast majority of our customers in regional WA do purchase their tickets in advance and to take advantage of our red e-deal fares,” she said.

Mr Cooper said Qantas’ management suggested customers download the Qantas app and visit its website for the latest offers.

Pilbara MLA Brendon Grylls also met Qantas management on the day in Newman.