Qantas will increase capacity between Perth and the Western Australian mining and resource destinations of Karratha, Paraburdoo and Port Hedland from later this month.

Qantas regional GM WA, Ian Gay, said the additional services were a response to increased demand from the mining and energy sectors, and would see the airline base an additional Boeing 737-800 aircraft in WA.

“Qantas is always focused on meeting market demands and responding with increased capacity, where appropriate,” Gay said.

“Karratha, Paraburdoo and Port Hedland are important intra-state markets and we will grow our B737-800 base to provide an even better schedule for these key mining and resource sector destinations.”

To provide the new capacity, Qantas will grow its Perth-based fleet to 11, comprising five B737-800 and six B717-200 aircraft.

The North West schedule changes will be:

* Seven new Perth-Karratha return services, increasing from 41 to 48 per week and adding 2352 seats on the route each week;

* Two additional Perth-Paraburdoo return services, increasing from 19 to 21 per week, and adding 460 seats on the route each week; and

* Ttwo additional Perth-Port Hedland return services, increasing from 23 to 25 per week, and adding 460 seats on the route each week.

Gay said Qantas’ commitment to its WA operations included a $75 million investment in the redevelopment of its domestic terminal at Perth Airport.

“The major upgrade of our airport facilities is based largely on our increased presence in the state’s North West, and includes a new stand-alone security screening area with four additional screening points to ensure customers are able to quickly move through the terminal after checking in for their flight,” he said.