Connecting Busselton to Melbourne

Finally, the time has come – Australia’s South-West and East Coast are connected.

On Wednesday 6 April, our Managing Director Keith Tonkin witnessed history as the first ever direct flights between Busselton, WA and Melbourne, VIC took off. This flight has been a long time coming, with initial commencement expected back in March 2020, however, was delayed as a result of COVID-19 travel restrictions.

This Busselton to Melbourne flight is the first of many as Jetstar Airways will be operating a regular A320 aircraft (seating 186 passengers) service three times a week on Monday, Wednesday, and Saturday – flying directly from Busselton Margaret River Airport to Melbourne’s Tullamarine Airport.

This service opens a gateway into WA, that is expected to boost the local tourism industry by allowing interstate visitors to fly directly to the south-west without having to transit through Perth. This service has already unlocked new opportunities for investment and job creation in the local area.

In 2011, Aviation Projects was engaged to develop a master plan for what was then called the Busselton Regional Airport – and subsequently resulted in the preparation of the Busselton Regional Airport Upgrade Project and Business Case, which won the prestigious AAA National Airport Industry Award for Corporate Project of the Year (less than 30 staff) in 2014. The project was praised by the judging panel for being “totally comprehensive” and invaluable to the airport.

Aviation Projects provided valuable and detailed contributions to Busselton Regional Airport’s business case for the proposed expansion of its services. This contribution was comprehensive and included an infrastructure cost estimate, operational modelling, financial risk analysis as well as a project and funding timeline. The team also provided support throughout the entire implementation project, where aviation advice was required.

Aviation Projects, Managing Director, Keith Tonkin said, “It was very satisfying to see this aircraft finally land and depart Busselton Margaret River Airport (YBLN, BQB) after so much effort to realise what was initially seen by some as a highly aspirational vision.”

In a media release from the WA Government, Regional Development Minister, Alannah MacTiernan said, “I would like to congratulate all those involved in making this new route a reality. This truly is a great example of what can be achieved when government and industry work together.”

Aviation Projects is extremely proud to be a part of a project which has made such an impact to the local communities.

If you have an aviation or airport problem that needs solving, give Aviation Projects a call today to find out how we can assist you. Contact us today.