TOURISM — ETIHAD
AIRWAYS — PERTH–ABU DHABI — DAILY FLIGHTS
268. Hon PETER COLLIER to
the minister representing the Minister for Tourism:
I refer to the decision of Etihad
Airways to withdraw its daily Perth service and to the Minister for Tourism's
comments on ABC radio yesterday that he is only a little disappointed with this
decision.
(1) When was the
Minister for Tourism first made aware of the decision by Etihad Airways to
withdraw its daily Perth service?
(2) Did the minister
receive any advice from the Department of Jobs, Tourism, Science and Innovation
regarding Etihad Airways prior to yesterday's announcement?
(3) If yes to (2), will the minister
table that advice; and, if not, why not?
(4) Has the
minister met or had any contact with Etihad regarding its decision to withdraw
its daily Perth service; and, if so, on what dates; and, if not, why not?
Hon
ALANNAH MacTIERNAN replied:
I thank the member for the question.
(1) It was during the afternoon of 9
April 2018.
(2)–(3) Yes,
Tourism Western Australia verbally advised the Minister for Tourism's
office of the pending announcement of the commercial decision of Etihad Airways
to withdraw services from Perth on Monday, 9 April 2018 at 1504 hours.
(4) No. When
Tourism Western Australia was notified by the airline, it and Tourism Australia
asked Etihad whether anything could be done to change its decision, such as
further marketing support. The airline advised that the decision was made for
commercial reasons as part of a global network review and would not be
changed. It is not just Perth that is affected, but also destinations around
the world, including Edinburgh in Scotland; San Francisco, Dallas and Fort
Worth in the USA; and S�o Paulo in Brazil.
Reductions in aviation capacity are
never good; however, it is important to remember that Etihad is one of three
airlines servicing Western Australia through the Middle East. Qatar Airways
also services Perth and will upgrade its aircraft to A380s next month. This
represents an increase of more than 1 000 seats a week.