Direct international flights from Broome to Singapore are set to recommence in June, opening the Kimberley to the lucrative Asian tourism market and connecting passengers to the Lion City and its worldwide links.
Singapore Airlines regional wing SilkAir will again operate the service but this time the flights have been timed to coincide with two Broome Turf Club race meetings and three spectacles of the moon shining on mudflats over Roebuck Bay, known as the Staircase to the Moon.
The route would save passengers travelling to Perth and heading to Singapore about 11 hours in travel and transit time.
The four return flights are due to operate on June 13, 17, 20 and 24 and run at the same times each day.
The trial was first introduced in May last year through Broome International Airport, WA tourism industry representatives, underwriter the Shire of Broome and SilkAir.
Onward connectivity through to Europe has been confirmed for London, Manchester, Munich, Frankfurt and Dusseldorf using a global distribution service.
The service last year received reasonable passenger numbers, but outbound tickets could only be reserved through one travel agent in Broome.
This time they can be booked by any travel agent either in person or online.
BIA chief executive Paul McSweeney welcomed the returning service and said it was another chance to showcase Broome and the Kimberley to the world.
“It is pleasing that Broome can work together with overseas agents and Tourism WA to continue the journey towards regular flights between Broome and Singapore,” he said.
Australia’s North West Tourism chief executive Natasha Mahar said it was another exciting opportunity for the town.
She said the continuation of the trial with connectivity to the UK and Germany was a tremendous result for a town of 16,000 people and potentially the beginning of a new international northwestern gateway to Australia
“There has already been strong interest displayed by travel agents and their clients based in Singapore, who sell Broome as a destination to the Asian markets, primarily as a result of the successful 2018 trial flights and their amazing experiences visiting Broome.”
TWA Singapore country manager Ava Ang said Lion City was the third biggest international market for the State.
Broome Advertiser – Jakeb Waddell and Glenn Cordingley
Tuesday, 22 January 2019