Nexus Airlines, Media Release, 7 July 2023
Nexus Airlines will take its inaugural flight on Monday 10 July when it departs Geraldton Airport at 10.20am to commence the first commercial flights on the expanded Inter Regional Flight Network.
A traditional smoking ceremony will mark the significance of the inaugural flight and cleanse the aircraft and crew before they depart Geraldton bound for Karratha, then onwards to Port Hedland, and into Broome. Passengers and dignitaries will be treated to locally sourced food supplied by regional small businesses, as well as locally produced non-alcoholic drinks, including the popular Gubinge Ginger Beer from Spinifex Brewery.
After disembarking the aircraft at the Broome International Airport at 2:55pm, guests will be treated to refreshments courtesy of Spinifex Brewery and a traditional Welcome to Country and Smoking Ceremony conducted by Pat Torres.
Australia’s Northwest Tourism (ANW) have partnered with Nexus Airlines by providing the opportunity for six passengers to enjoy tourism experiences in both Karratha and Broome with overnight stays at the Mantra Frangipani and The Ranges. Activities include Helicopter Flights with HeliSpirit, a Murujuga Rock Art & Cultural Experience with Clinton Walker from Ngurrangga Tours, dinner at the Northwest Brewing Company, Chinatown walking tour with Salty Plum Social, and Mabu Buru Tours Cable Beach Cultural Talk. On Monday 17 July, Nexus Airlines will commence Geraldton to Perth services and at the end of the month, on 28 July, the Kimberley services will commence linking Broome, Kununurra, and Darwin.
With bases in Geraldton and Broome, Nexus Airlines is Western Australia’s newest truly regional airline, offering residents, local businesses, and visitors increased travel opportunities with reliable, affordable, and consistent air services between the Mid-West, Pilbara, and Kimberley.
Nexus Airlines operates with a fleet of 76-seat De Havilland Next Generation Dash 8 – Q400 aircraft which are ideally suited to Western Australia’s varied weather conditions and offer significant fuel and carbon emission savings when compared to similar sized jet aircraft.
Comments attributed to Managing Director Michael McConachy:
“Today is a very special day and marks years of hard work by a team of very dedicated professionals. I am thrilled to see Nexus Airlines take to the skies and cannot be prouder of everyone who has been working around the clock to make this happen.
“Our goal was to improve regional air-connectivity and from today that is happening. Residents and local businesses will have the opportunity to travel directly to their regional destinations without the need to commute through Perth which will save valuable time and money.
“We have designed our schedules based on extensive stakeholder engagement and market research and believe that they meet the needs that were expressed.
“I would like to thank our valued partners, the State Government of Western Australia, City of Greater Geraldton, City of Karratha, Town of Port Hedland, Shire of Broome, Shire of Wyndham East Kimberley, Port Hedland International Airport, Broome International Airport, and Darwin International Airport, for their commitment to improving regional air connectivity and their willingness to collaborate. Without their support we would not be celebrating this milestone day”.
Comments attributed to Spinifex Brewery Co CEO Adam Barnard:
“On behalf of the entire team at Spinifex Brewing Co it is an incredible honour to be selected as the onboard beverage partner for Nexus Airlines. Spinifex Brewing Co are proud to be working with Michael and his team at HMC group as a fellow Kimberley based business.
“We know Nexus Airlines is absolutely committed to servicing regional Western Australian businesses, communities, and the tourism sector a passion shared equally by the team at Spinifex.
“This announcement builds on our existing relationship as the exclusive draught beer provider at the iconic HMC Group owned Pumphouse restaurant on the banks of the Ord River in Kununurra.
“Our Gubinge Non -Alcoholic Ginger beer is wild harvested by Aboriginal communities on the Dampier Peninsula creating significant economic and social benefits to our community. This is something we are very proud of. I look forward to joining the inaugural flight to launch the Broome -Kununurra – Darwin service 28th July.”
Comments attributed to Australia’s North West Tourism Marketing and Communications Executive Claire Wilson
“Australia’s North West (ANW) are pleased to be collaborating with Nexus Airlines to host media famils in Broome and Karratha.
“We are thrilled to see Nexus take flight as this offers visitors to the Kimberley and Pilbara greater options for accessing our spectacular North West.
“In many ways, the addition of another airline connection to our major regional centres is a huge benefit to local businesses and tourism operators who depend on visitation for their livelihood.”
About the HMC Group
HM Consolidated Pty Ltd (HMC Group) is a collection of nine quality aviation, accommodation, and tourism businesses under majority Western Australian ownership. The Group proudly originates from Kununurra, and operations include the award-winning aviation businesses Aviair and HeliSpirit, Freshwater East Kimberley Apartments, Bungle Bungle Savannah Lodge and Guided Tours, Australian Helicopter Academy, and the iconic PumpHouse Restaurant.
Further information is available on www.nexusairlines.com.au.
