Mineral Resources (MinRes) has struck a fly-in, fly-out (FIFO) milestone with the launch of its first direct flight from Brisbane to two of its mine sites in the Pilbara.
MinRes has contracted Australian-owned airline Skytraders to operate weekly return flights between the AvCair terminal at Brisbane airport and MinRes’ Ken’s Bore and Wodgina mine sites.
MinRes said the new 3700km flight path aims to significantly reduce travel time and cost for employees and contractors who live in Queensland or elsewhere on Australia’s east coast.
“Direct interstate flights make it faster, easier and cheaper for our people and contractors to travel to and from MinRes sites,” MinRes general manager people facilities Bethanie Ibrahim said.
“For many of our workforce who live in Queensland or elsewhere on the east coast, these services will reduce their travel time by one full day.”
Ken’s Bore is at the heart of Onslow Iron, one of the largest iron ore projects under construction in Australia. Ken’s Bore airport became operational last year, allowing the project’s Perth-based teams to fly directly site.
The weekly direct service between Brisbane and Wodgina, another MinRes site with its own airport, is set to commence this month.
“These direct services will reduce fatigue and ensure our people have more time to spend at home with family and friends,” MinRes executive general manager, people Andrea Chapman said.
“It’s part of our commitment to redefine the FIFO experience, which also includes the construction of resort-style accommodation and an industry-leading food offering.”
MinRes welcomed the first occupants to its accommodation pods at Ken’s Bore earlier in 2024.
The accommodations are decked out with a range of amenities which the company said are aimed at improving the quality of workers’ downtime and create a complete lifestyle experience.
Subscribe to Australian Mining and receive the latest news on product announcements, industry developments, commodities and more.
