Derby Aiport hangar one.
BREAKING: The Shire of Derby-West Kimberley has officially leased a hangar at Derby Airport to Frontier Helicopters, a scenic helicopter tour operator. This decision comes nearly three years after the Royal Flying Doctor Service (RFDS) vacated the site in December 2022.
The lease was confirmed during the September council meeting, where Commissioner Jeff Gooding emphasized the urgency of the decision. “We have been out for expressions of interest,” he stated, noting that the Shire received only two submissions, with one arriving after the deadline. “We’ve effectively got one in the end, and there is a recommendation that this is an acceptable leased figure.”
Frontier Helicopters will occupy the hangar under a five-year lease, with an option to extend for an additional five years. The annual fee is set at $26,700 plus goods and services tax (GST), payable quarterly in advance. The company will also shoulder operational costs and other lease-related expenses.
The hangar, which previously housed the RFDS under a 10-year lease with options for extensions, had remained vacant since the RFDS chose not to renew its contract. Following its return to the Shire, the building was briefly utilized for office and storage purposes, but it is currently unoccupied.
This development is significant for both the local economy and tourism in the region, as it marks a new beginning for the airport facility. The presence of Frontier Helicopters is expected to enhance local tourism and offer residents and visitors unique aerial experiences over the stunning Kimberley landscape.
As Frontier Helicopters prepares to take flight from their new base, the Shire of Derby-West Kimberley is optimistic about revitalizing the airport’s potential. Look for further updates as the company gears up for operations and community engagement initiatives.
Stay tuned for more updates on this developing story and its impact on the Derby community and beyond.
