The Busselton Margaret River Airport is ready and waiting for its first Jetstar flight once interstate travel restrictions are eased following the pandemic.
The check-in area has been expanded to accommodate passengers and FIFO arrivals and departures have been separated from regular public transport check-ins.
The city have installed baggage handling equipment, checked baggage security screening, body scanners in the secure departure lounge and a separate arrivals hall.
Qantas Group has reconfirmed its commitment to the new Jetstar route between Melbourne and Busselton, telling the Mail they intend to launch the flights once restrictions are lifted and demand for air travel returns.
"We are committed to the service and we want to launch it at a time when it will be successful from day one," the spokesperson said.
City of Busselton mayor Grant Henley said reaffirmation of the service was welcome news to communities across the broader South West region of WA that relies heavily on tourism and hospitality which has been severely impacted by pandemic shutdowns..
Mr Henley said it was also reassuring for local people who supported the new service by purchasing tickets on flights and those who have backed the development of the regional airport over the years.
"The airport is now fully operational and ready to receive regular passenger flights from the Eastern States as soon as the green light to go was given," he said.
"The BMRA has been upgraded and a new temporary arrivals hall built.
"We are now able to simultaneously process significant numbers of departing and arriving passengers undertaking all the necessary security screening.
"In fact COVID-19 screening of FIFO workers has been routinely undertaken at the airport for several weeks.
"Should this be a requirement for future air-travel, airport staff are already well trained and screening processes are in place."
City of Busselton director of community and commercial services Naomi Searle said despite current travel restrictions, the airport has been extremely busy.
"We welcomed two new services in April. The A320 Airbus landed at the BMRA and given this will be the aircraft used for the new Jetstar service, it was great to see it landing on the newly lengthened and strengthened runway.
"We also welcomed the 'Flying Kangaroo' with the commencement of Qantas Link flights servicing FIFO workers to the North West of the state.
"FIFO operations have continued to bring essential revenue into the airport during this time supporting both the local and state economy and ensuring jobs for South West people.
"Postponement of the new service was disappointing but in light of COVID-19 health risks, it was the right thing to do.
"With so much uncertainty at the moment Qantas Group's commitment to the Melbourne-Busselton service goes a long way to instilling regional confidence and optimism for our tourism and hospitality industry."
