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Virgin Australia will ramp up Perth–Broome services in the new year with its 737 and E190-E2 fleet.
Starting on 1 April, the airline will increase Broome flights to 17 per week due to high demand, up more than 40 per cent on existing capacity, with new services timed to enable connections from capital cities on the east coast.
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“We know that Broome is a tourism hotspot for the state, so these extra services make it easier for visitors from across Australia to explore the region, boosting local tourism and supporting businesses,” Virgin’s chief strategy and transformation officer, Alistair Hartley, said.
“At the same time, we’re strengthening connectivity between the regions for important appointments, education, business, or family trips.
“Flights will be operated by our Boeing 737s and brand-new Embraer E190-E2 aircraft which are already delivering enhanced comfort, lower emissions, and a superior travel experience for guests.
“We look forward to welcoming more travellers on board this aircraft as more of them join the fleet next year.”
The increase in services comes as Virgin renews its commitment to the WA Government’s Regional Airfare Zone Cap (RAZC) scheme, which has been extended to June 2031, though caps will increase during high-demand periods.
“Under the scheme, regional residents of Western Australia can access capped airfares for leisure travel between Perth and regional hubs across the state, including Broome,” the airline said.
Virgin’s first E190-E2, VH-E2A, arrived in September and is being used for Virgin Australia Regional Airlines (VARA) charter and FIFO services in WA, as well as regular passenger transport. It operated its inaugural commercial flight in October.
According to VARA executive general manager Nathan Miller, the new aircraft marks “a major milestone not just for VARA but for regional aviation in Western Australia”.
“The E190-E2 is currently the world’s quietest and most fuel-efficient single-aisle jet in its class, with the design and range to meet the challenges of the mining regions we operate to across the state,” he said earlier this year.
“This aircraft sets a new benchmark for comfort, efficiency, and sustainability and ensures we are well-positioned to deliver a premium experience for our customers and the communities we serve today and into the future.”
VARA has seven more E190-E2s on order, which will arrive over the next two years, to 2027. The first three will be retrofitted with in-flight Wi-Fi and entertainment early next year, and VARA has previously hinted they could be used for interstate passenger services.
